How to Plant Bluecrop Blueberries

As a variety of the highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), Bluecrop blueberry needs more than 160 frost-free days per year and winter temperatures above negative 20 degrees F. As such, it grows best in United States Department of Agriculture hardiness zone 5 and above. It bears tart, light blue, medium-to-large berries in the middle of the harvest season. A blueberry plant grows well in home gardens because it needs little space.

Fertilizer
Sulfur
Organic matter
Hoe
Peat moss

Instructions

- 1
  Clear an area in your garden that receives full sun. A blueberry plant reaches optimum yield and quality when it gets plenty of sunlight.
- 2
  Contact your local Cooperative Extension office and request a soil test. The office will provide you with soil-testing forms, bags and instructions.
- 3
  Add fertilizer, sulfur and organic matter as recommended by the results of the soil test. The soil ideally has a pH level of 4 to 4.5 with organic matter content of at least 4 to 7 percent. Organic matter include grass clippings, manure and leaves. Mix these materials with the top 4 to 6 inches of soil at least one year before planting.
- 4
  Dig a hole that measures 18 inches in diameter and 18 inches deep.
- 5
  Mix 1 part peat moss and 1 part soil that has been removed from the hole.
- 6
  Fill the hole with the peat moss and soil mixture, stopping 4 inches from the soil surface.
- 7
  Place the plant in the hole so it stands upright, and cover the roots with the mixture of peat moss and soil. Tamp down the soil and water in well.
- 8
  Set any other plants 5 feet apart in rows that are 10 feet apart.
- 9
  Lay 4 inches of sawdust or wood chip mulch in a 2-foot radius around the plant.

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