How to Grow Organic Blueberries In Oregon

Find a provider of organic blueberry bushes. It's easiest to continue the growing process from a plant purchased at a nursery rather than attempt to cultivate from seed. There are local nurseries in Oregon that sell organic blueberry bushes. If you can't find one that's convenient, mail-order companies are also available.

Choose the cultivar that you'll plant. Oregon State University recommends varieties such as Spartan, Patriot, Blueray, Legacy and Elliot for the home garden because of their ability to thrive in the Pacific Northwest climate.

Locate a suitable planting area. Blueberries thrive in soil with a pH level between 4.5 and 5.5. Treat the soil with sulfur to increase acidity or lime to decrease it. The area should also be sunny and away from other plants. This ensures optimal berry production and water absorption.

Transplant the organic blueberry bushes in your chosen area. Oregon State University recommends doing this in October or March. Dig a hole of the same depth and slightly wider than the pot in which the bush came. Place the plant in the hole and cover with mulch or peat moss to ensure adequate soil drainage.

Water the organic blueberry bushes every other day for the first two weeks. After that, water at least once a week if the weather is exceptionally dry.

Prune the flower buds during the first year of planting to encourage root growth. Prune every winter after the third year of growth by cutting out any wood that's damaged or diseased.

Fertilize the blueberry bushes as necessary with organic fertilizers such as fishmeal or high-quality compost. Avoid getting the fertilizer on the plant's stems and crown. Use the following guidelines as recommended by Oregon State University. Within the first year of planting, sprinkle 1 ounce per plant once per month in April, June and July. In year two, use 1.2 ounces once per month in April, May and June. In year three, use 1.4 ounces once per month in April, May and June. Every year after that, move to 4 ounces per plant per month in April, May and June.