How to Amend Soil for Blueberries After Planting

Blueberries are small berries that grow on a bush. They grow well in cooler climates and do not have pest problems like some other berry plants and fruit trees. If you have a blueberry bush that doesn't seem to be doing well, or if you planted one in an area without checking out the soil first, you might need to add some nutrients for it to do well. Blueberry bushes prefer an acidic soil.

Soil test kit
Shovel
Mulch and other organic materials
Acidic nitrogen fertilizer or alkaline fertilizer
Water

Instructions

- 1
  Test the soil with a soil test kit. Acidic soil will be below 7.0 on the pH scale. Blueberries prefer 4.0 to 5.0 in acidity.
- 2
  Dig out the soil around the bush for several feet and mix in mulch and other organic materials. This will increase acidity naturally and improve drainage out from the bush. It is best to remove the shrub and do the same with the soil in and around the roots. If it isn't an appropriate time to move plants, then leave it be and just improve the soil around it. The better soil around the bush will encourage roots to grow out to this area.
- 3
  Apply an acidic nitrogen fertilizer to the soil around the bush. Add fertilizer in the spring and fall to increase the acidity slowly. Follow package directions on the brand you choose so that you do not spread too much fertilizer. Cast the granules by hand and then water the area to soak it in. Apply an alkaline fertilizer in the same manner if the acidity in the soil is lower than 4.0.
- 4
  Spread a thick layer of mulch around the base of the bush to trap moisture and slowly add more acidic nutrients over time.

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