How to Plant Blueberries in Missouri

Till or plow the soil in a 3 to 4 foot wide area for each plant and at least 1.5 feet deep into the soil. Dig the holes 3 to 6 feet apart in rows spaced about 10 feet from each other. Plowing an entire row is often more time-effective than tilling individual growing circles for each plant.

Apply fertilizer and pH chemicals to the soil as necessary. According to "Growing Blueberries in Missouri," published by the University of Missouri's Department of Agriculture, most soil in Missouri has unacceptably high pH levels for growing blueberries. A soil test reveals the need to add sulfur or other chemicals.

Dig a hole 12 to 18 inches deep in the worked soil for each of your blueberry plants. The holes must be the same depth as the current root system of the plant. The precise depth of the holes depends on the age and species of your plants.

Fill the holes with a loose mixture of soil and peat moss. Blueberry bushes require quick, effective drainage to grow as they are sensitive to excess moisture in the soil. If you choose to use a substitute for peat moss, like hay or compost, be sure it is decomposed enough to provide an adequate amount of moisture drainage. Soil that readily retains water cannot support blueberries.

Plant the young blueberry bushes in the cold months of early spring or late fall. If your bushes are bare-root, then plant them directly into the holes. If you purchased potted plants, gently brush excess dirt from the roots before transplanting them into the holes. Apply mulch or other fertilizer if desired.