How to Care for Blueberry Bushes

Test the garden site with a home pH test kit to determine the pH level of the soil. Blueberries need a pH level between 4.5 and 5.5 for optimum growth and production.

Amend the soil, if necessary, with granulated sulfur. The application rate for the sulfur is 2.4 pounds of granulated sulfur to 100 square feet of loamy soil to lower the pH level of the soil one full point. Wear protective eye wear, gloves and a filter mask when applying the sulfur.

Use pre-moistened peat moss instead of granulated sulfur for organic blueberry production. Dig the planting area at least 12 inches deep and remove about half the soil from the planting hole. Mix the soil with an equal amount of the peat moss and return the soil mix to the planting hole.

Fertilize the blueberry bushes with a 10-10-10 fertilizer about one month after you plant the bushes. Apply 1 pound per 100 square feet of garden space. Reapply every spring at a rate of 2 to 3 pounds per 100 square feet. Spread the fertilizer in a circular pattern over the root zone but away from the root crown of the bush.

Water the blueberry bushes to a depth of 1 to 2 inches once per week. Maintain the same watering schedule for uniform blossoms. Increase the water to 2 to 4 inches during fruit production.

Mulch the blueberry bushes for moisture retention. Use 4 inches of an organic mulch like sawdust, compost or dried leaves. Keep the mulch about 1 to 2 inches away from the root crown and trunk of the bush.

Pinch the blossoms as they form for the first two years so the plant concentrates on root formation instead of fruiting.

Prune the blueberry bushes in winter or early spring of their fourth year. Remove the oldest canes so new ones form. Prune away canes that cross each other, are broken or dead. Avoid removing tips from the previous year's growth because this is where the fruit forms. Clear out crowded plant interiors for better air circulation.