How to Grow Blueberries in South Carolina

Choose the blueberry shrubs that you will plant in the garden. Varieties of Southern Highland grow well across the state while Rabbiteye flourish everywhere except the highest mountain elevations. If you choose Rabbiteye, plant at least two different varieties to promote cross-pollination. South Highland varieties self-pollinate.

Collect a soil sample from your garden and test the soil for pH, nutrient levels and organic matter content. Blueberry shrubs grow best in acidic soil with good drainage, high organic content and ample nutrients. Review the test results to determine if you should amend the garden soil before you plant the blueberry shrubs.

Alter the pH of the soil within the recommended range for your chosen blueberry variety. In general, Southern Highland blueberries like a soil pH of 4.5 to 5.3 and Rabbiteye shrubs like a maximum pH of 5.0. If your soil pH is outside the optimal range, add lime to raise the pH or add elemental sulfur to lower the pH. Work the amendments into the soil with tiller before you install the blueberries. For established plants, place the amendments between the rows of shrubs.

Mix peat moss, pine bark or pine sawdust to the soil to raise the organic content to greater than 3 percent, if necessary. Pine matter is naturally acidic, which is good for the blueberries. You can also use the organic matter to increase soil drainage in areas with clay-rich or loamy soil. Blueberry shrubs have shallow root systems that require good soil drainage. Use a tiller to mix the organic matter into the soil.

Plant the blueberry shrubs in rows in 4-inch deep holes. Place Rabbiteye varieties in rows that are approximately 10 to 12 feet apart with 6 feet between each shrub within the row. Install Southern Highland shrubs 4 to 5 feet apart with 8 to 10 feet between rows.

Place mulch around the newly installed blueberry bushes. Pine mulch is a good choice due to the acidity of the pine. Add approximately 4 inches of mulch to the garden to protect the blueberry shrubs, control weeds and retain soil moisture.

Apply a complete fertilizer to the garden after the leaves of the blueberry shrubs are full grown. A complete fertilizer has nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous. Place the fertilizer approximately 1 foot from the base of the shrub. Place the fertilizer approximately 18 inches from the plant base during their second year in the garden and approximately 3 feet beginning in year three.