How to Water Blueberries

Blueberries are water-loving bushes with a shallow root system. Commercial growers often irrigate blueberries during dry periods to avoid the smaller berries and potential bud damage that drought can cause. The home blueberry gardener needs to balance a steady water supply with the knowledge that a blueberry bush left in standing water is likely to drown. Deeply dug planting trenches, well-drained and acid-rich soil and a close eye on weather and soil conditions are key to keeping your blueberry bushes in good shape.

Mulch
Garden hose
Sprinklers
Soaker hoses
Cardboard strip, 12 to 16 inches long

Instructions

- 1
  Mulch your blueberry bushes to a height of at least 4 inches each spring. Use an acid-rich mulch such as peat moss, sawdust, shredded bark or acidic compost.
- 2
  Store a garden or soaker hose and at least one sprinkler near your blueberry bushes. If you're growing a row or more of blueberries, have enough hoses and sprinklers to water all of your blueberries at one time.
- 3
  Insert a stiff piece of cardboard at least 12 inches long into the ground at the base of your blueberry plantings after you've finished watering. Allow the cardboard to remain in the ground for five minutes. Upon removal, the cardboard should demonstrate that your watering has penetrated at least 12 inches down into the soil in your blueberry garden.
- 4
  Check your blueberry plants daily between July and September, and anytime the weather is dry, for signs of drought-related stress. Look for yellowing foliage or wilting leaves. Water your blueberries anytime they appear stressed or less vigorous.

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