How to Plant Blueberry Bushes in the Fall

Choose a place of honor for your blueberry bushes. The area should get as much sun as possible, and be on the moist side, but not swampy. You'll be planting your shrubs between two and six feet apart, depending on the variety, so make sure your spot has enough room.

Test your soil's pH level, either by sending a soil sample to your local extension service or by buying a kit at a garden center. The soil should be decidedly on the acidic side -- ideally at 4.5, although anything from 3.5 to 5.5 is acceptable.

If you do need to lower the pH level, spade in plenty of peat moss, rotted leaves, wood chips or sawdust. Work your amendments into the top four to six inches of the soil.

Buy two- or three-year-old blueberry plants from a reputable local nursery or mail order source. Choose shrubs that best fit your needs. These days, growers offer blueberry shrubs in dwarf form -- ideal for containers or tight spots -- as well "half high" shrubs and the traditional highbush form, which can grow as high as eight feet.

Dig a hole about 18 inches deep and wide. Put the bush in the hole and make sure it sits at or slightly below the soil level in which it was originally growing.

If you're satisfied with the depth of the hole, spread the plant's roots evenly at the bottom and fill with soil and, if you wish, additional peat moss. Firmly tamp the soil down around each bush and water thoroughly.

Mulch your blueberry patch thickly; six inches is ideal. Again, choose acidic materials, such as pine needles, wood chips or shredded oak leaves.