How to Plant Blueberry Bushes in a Perennial Garden

Buy two varieties of blueberry bushes to ensure cross-pollination. Highbush varieties grow well in the north, while rabbiteye and southern highbush varieties are best in the south. Plant when the bush is dormant. In most areas, that means planting in early to late fall.

Till a 5-foot area in the garden for each bush with a shovel, breaking up clods and clumps and removing old vegetation and weeds as you go. Cultivate to a depth of at least 18 inches.

Amend soil with equal parts peat and sand if the soil doesn't drain well. Test the soil pH and raise it to at least 4.5 with lime, following the directions on the package. Blueberries require acidic soil to do their best.

Dig holes 18 inches deep and 18 inches wide in your amended soil. Pour a generous amount of water in the bottom of the hole to ease transplant shock. Backfill halfway with soil and add more water, checking to see that it drains quickly.

Gently pull the blueberry bush from its container. Check the roots to see whether they've been container-bound. If they are, loosen them with your fingers and and set the bush in the hole. Fill in the hole with dirt, pressing it firmly around the roots to eliminate air spaces that will dry them out.

Spread a 3-inch layer of sawdust mulch in a 2-foot band around the bush to retain moisture and control weeds. Water the blueberry bush thoroughly after planting.