Preparing Soil for Blueberry Bushes

Test the soil a year before planting as acidification takes at least six months. The best way to do this is to gather a sample and take it to your local extension office. For a small fee, the extension service will test the pH of the soil.

Clear away all weeds and keep them cleared for the next year. This will ensure that the blueberry bushes receive all the nutrients they need.

Adjust the soil depending on where the pH lies. If the pH is between 4.5 and 5.5, it needs no adjustment. If it is between 6.2 and 6.5, mix 4.5 pounds of sulfur per 100 square feet into the top 6 inches of soil. If your soil pH is between 5.8 and 6.1, apply 2 pounds of sulfur per 100 square feet. If it is lower than 4.0, mix in ground dolomite limestone at a rate of 5 to 10 pounds per 100 square feet.

Place a 2-inch layer of Douglas fir sawdust over the area where you will plant the bushes. Add 2 pounds of nitrogen per 100 square feet to help dissolve the sawdust. Mix these materials to a depth of about 6 inches.