How to Plant Blueberry Bushes in Kansas

While many areas of Kansas do not have the appropriate soil conditions to successfully grow blueberry bushes, residents can try to grow them in acidic, evenly moist soils rich with organic matter. The Johnson County Extension office of Kansas State University suggests residents grow the Colville, Blueray, Jersey, Herbert or Bluecrop varieties of blueberry bushes. Choose a location that receives full sun in the morning and early afternoon and some shade in the afternoon. The ideal area also offers protection from wind.

Shovel
Soil pH testing kit
Wheelbarrow or tarp
Sulfur
Compost
Sawdust, straw, wood chips or shredded bark
Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Dig a hole twice as deep and twice as wide as the blueberry bush rootball. Place the soil in a wheelbarrow or on a tarp.
- 2
  Test the pH level of the soil with a kit purchased from a gardening center. Amend the soil as needed. Blueberries prefer a pH level below 5.5. Mix sulfur into the soil to lower the pH level. Follow the instructions and warnings on the manufacturer's packaging.
- 3
  Mix equal amounts of compost and soil together in the wheelbarrow or on the tarp.
- 4
  Place the bush in the hole and backfill. Water the bush while backfilling the hole to remove air pockets.
- 5
  Spread a 4-inch layer of sawdust, straw, wood chips or shredded bark around the bush to control weeds.
- 6
  Apply a 10-10-10 fertilizer to the blueberry bush. Follow directions and warnings on the manufacturer's packaging.

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