How to Take Soil Samples for Blueberries

Blueberries are high in flavor and antioxidants, and the bushes are as attractive as the fruit. The glossy green leaves that are held on neat mounds turn fiery red and orange as temperatures drop. The spring blooms yield summer berries. The wrong soil pH destroys this plant. Testing your soil is vital to growing blueberries successfully in your landscape. Incorrect sampling methods give equally incorrect results.

Shovel or trowel
Clean bucket
Plastic resealable bags
Shipping box

Instructions

- 1
  Take soil samples 1 year before planting blueberries. For existing plantings, take soil samples in late summer or early fall. Testing late in the season gives you time to correct soil issues. Soil amendments may take months or even a year to affect the soil's pH.
- 2
  
  Test your soil immediately if your blueberry shows discolored, shrunken leaves or other signs of stress.
  
  Choose a site between the drip line and the center of existing blueberry bushes. Clear the mulch, leaves and other debris from the testing site.
- 3
  Sink a trowel or shovel 6 inches deep into the site. Lift and set aside the divot. Make a second cut, slicing a section from the wall of the hole. Remove the top 2 to 4 inches from the slice and place the remaining sample in a clean bucket.
- 4
  
  Avoid sampling recently fertilized areas.
  
  Continue taking soil samples from random locations in the planting area. Mix the samples in the bucket and remove any large rocks, sticks or other objects. Allow damp soil to dry out.
- 5
  Label a resealable plastic bag with a number or other identifying tag if you plan on testing more than one planting area. Scoop the soil into the bag, and then tightly seal the bag. If you mail your sample, place the bag in an appropriate-sized shipping box. Pack the bag tightly to prevent motion from breaking the bag's seal.

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