How to Grow Blueberries in New Jersey

Test the soil with a home pH kit to verify the value is 4.8 to 5.2. Add ground rock sulfur to the soil to lower the pH or limestone to raise the pH, if needed. Follow the package instructions for an application rate based on the current pH value.

Add 3 to 4 inches of organic compost to the garden bed and work it into the soil with a tiller. Let the soil rest for a minimum of two weeks to allow time for the amendments to incorporate into the soil.

Soak the root ball of bare root blueberries in a bucket of lukewarm water for two hours to plump the root fibers. Container-grown bushes do not require soaking.

Dig a planting hole that is twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball. Set the roots into the hole so the top of the ball is at ground level. Spread the roots in the hole to increase their ability to establish. Space each bush at a distance of 3 to 4 feet apart.

Pack soil around the root ball to halfway up the hole. Fill the hole with water and let it absorb into the surrounding soil. Pack soil into the remaining area about the root ball, using caution so you do not damage the root fibers.

Apply a generous amount of water around the blueberry bush to compact the soil and limit the formation of air pockets. Water the bush when the weekly rainfall is less than 1 inch. Do not let the soil dry out or become too saturated during the growing season.

Spread a 3-inch layer of sawdust or bark mulch over the root ball area of the bush. These mulches are acidic and help regulate the soil pH for blueberry production. Refresh the mulch each year.

Fertilize blueberry bushes with an ammonium sulfate fertilizer after one year of growth. Follow the application rate listed on the package for the size of the plant. Ammonium sulfate helps maintain an acidic soil pH for blueberry production.