How to Grow Blueberries in Tennessee

Tennessee boasts three native strains of blueberry plants: blueridge blueberries, black highbush blueberries and lowbush blueberries. The plants grow well in areas of higher elevation in Tennessee, such as areas around the Smoky Mountains and areas along the Cumberland plateau. Blueberries can also be grown in areas of lower elevation, such as Nashville, provided there is proper irrigation and soil conditions. Once you have prepared the soil and planted your blueberry plants, they are rather tough and will withstand most weather conditions.

Soil pH testing kit
Acidic peat (if needed)
Tiller
Dirt rake
Blueberry plants
Sawdust mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Test the soil pH level. Blueberries require very acidic soil and your soil needs to be around 5 for the plants to thrive. Choose an area that drains well; standing water will kill your blueberry plants.
- 2
  Combine 4 inches of acidic peat with the top 6 to 8 inches of soil to lower the pH. Add pine needles and wood shavings to help lower the pH further.
- 3
  Till the soil several months before you plant your blueberries. Allow two or three months for the soil to become acidic enough from the peat and and any organic material you add.
- 4
  Plant your blueberry plants in Tennessee between the months of November and March. The plants will usually be dormant at this time, making their transplanting less stressful.
- 5
  Purchase at least two strains of blueberry plant; you want cross-pollination to occur among the plants.
- 6
  Dig a hole for each blueberry plant. Make sure the hole is wider than the plant's root system. Spread out the roots completely before you fill in the hole. Space the plants 5 feet apart and space the rows 10 to 12 feet apart.
- 7
  Water the plants thoroughly to help pack down the soil.
- 8
  Apply a layer of sawdust mulch around the plants. The sawdust will help keep the soil acidic enough for the plants. Keep a layer of mulch around the plants at all times during the growing season.
- 9
  Water the plants at a rate of 1 inch per week. Check the soil by digging down 6 inches and making sure it is moist.

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