How to Plant Blueberry Bushes in Illinois

Blueberries pack a potent nutritional punch, are versatile and delicious to boot. In addition to being a source for healthy snacking, they can be beautiful additions to any garden. With the right soil preparation and variety of bush, planting and growing blueberry bushes in Illinois can bring years of enjoyment to Midwestern gardeners.

pH test kit for
Peat
Bark mulch
Blueberry bushes
Shovel
Ammonium sulfate (depending on soil pH)

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase two types of blueberry bushes for cross pollination, and make sure that they are compatible to Illinois growing zone 6.
- 2
  Dig holes that measure 2 feet deep and twice the width of the diameter of the rootball of the blueberry bush. Place the holes approximately 4 feet apart.
- 3
  Mix equal amounts of peat into the loosened soil.
- 4
  Add a base layer of the dirt/peat mix to the bottom of the hole.
- 5
  Loosen the rootball of the blueberry bush by hand, gently separating some of the roots from the compacted soil.
- 6
  Place the blueberry bush in the hole. Fill hole with the remainder of the dirt/peat mix, making sure that the dirt is not tightly packed into the hole but is firm enough to support the plant.
- 7
  Surround the base of plant with a minimum 6-inch deep layer of mulch. Mulch to a depth of up to 1 foot to maintain proper moisture levels.

How Big Is a Blueberry Bush Root Ball?

Aluminum Sulfate & Blueberry Plants

Growing Blueberries