How to Grow Blueberries in Western Pennsylvania

Buy a cultivar that works well in the western Pennsylvania environment. According to Penn State University, the highbush varieties such as Weymouth, Polaris, Bluejay, Collins, Lateblue, Jersey and Elliot all work well in the climate.

Locate a spot on your property that's suitable for blueberry bushes. You'll need a space that can accommodate bushes that eventually grow up to 6 feet in height. The area should be clear of other plants and allow for full sun exposure.

Test the acidity of the soil at the planting site with a kit available at your county extension office. Soil pH needs to be between 4.5 and 5. Because of the heavy soil in most of western Pennsylvania, you'll likely have to add sulfur to lower the pH level. In the event you need to raise the soil pH, phosphorous can be used.

Plant your blueberry bush in the spring by digging a hole that's slightly deeper than the plant's root ball. Cover with mulch up to a depth of 4 inches.

Water the plant frequently during the first two weeks, which helps to promote root growth. After that time period, water once a week during dry periods.

Fertilize the plants only after the second year. It's only necessary to fertilize once per year in March or April using ammonium sulfate.