How to Acidify Soil for Blueberries

Blueberry plants grow best in rich, deep, loose, well-draining acidic soil. In more alkaline soils, blueberry plants do not adequately absorb nutrients through their roots. Signs of improper pH levels include small yellow leaves with contrasting green veins and stunted new growth.

In very alkaline soils, amend soil in the fall for spring planting. Soils made alkaline by materials high in calcium, such as limestone or recent construction, cannot easily be acidified and soil amendments will only work temporarily to lower the pH; in these circumstances, consider growing blueberries in raised beds.

pH testing kit
Sulfur
Hoe
Shovel
Peat moss, one 4-foot cubic compressed bale per 5 blueberry plants
Compost
Pine bark or sawdust

Instructions

- 1
  Test pH according to directions in your soil testing kit for water pH value. Blueberry plants thrive in acidic soils with a pH of 4.0 to 5.5.
- 2
  Add sulfur if the pH is above 7.0 in the following quantities per 100 square feet of soil: If soil is light and sandy, add 3/4 lbs.; if soil is a medium, sandy loam texture, add 1 1/2 lbs.; if soil is a heavy, clay loam add 2 1/4 lbs. Till sulfur applications into the soil immediately. Recheck soil pH levels 60 to 90 days later before planting.
- 3
  Hoe planting area to loosen soil 1 foot deep if pH levels are 5.5 to 7.0. Remove at least 1/3 of the soil. Replace the soil with an equal amount of pre-moistened peat moss. Combine the peat moss and remaining soil. Recheck soil pH levels 60 to 90 days later before planting.
- 4
  Top dress blueberry plants with compost at planting time to buffer soil pH. Then mulch with 2 to 4 inches of sawdust, peat moss or pine bark as a slow-release soil acidifier.

Blueberry Plants for Northeast Florida

How to Grow Wild Blueberries and Huckleberries

Growing Blueberries