The Best Planting Medium for Blueberries

Season

• Plant blueberries in early spring, before last frost. The bushes survive light spring frosts to begin their growth in spring, but need relatively dry, warm soil to start. Plant 3-year-old bare-root bushes at this time for quick results in spring and summer. Plant potted blueberry bushes in fall in warmer zones.

Site and Sun

• Blueberries cannot survive on soil alone. They need full sunshine, quick year-round site drainage and adequate air flow. Plant the bushes in sites with six to eight hours of sun every day with at least 4 to 6 feet of space. Blueberries rot and fail in crowded or muddy sites.

Soil Amendments

• Amend all blueberry planting soil to give the plants rich, loose and acidic foundations. The Ohio State University Extension website recommends a pH of 4.5 to 5.0 for these plants, and notes that sphagnum and peat moss provide ideal amendments for blueberries. The Clemson Cooperative Extension website recommends wettable sulfur or ammonium sulfate for pH correction, and peat moss and sand soil amendments for soil quality. Amend the soil to attain a mix of 1 part amendment to 1 part natural soil. Mix all soil amendments into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil before planting.

Mulch and Fertilizer

• Maintain blueberry bushes with ongoing nutritional supplements. The Ohio State University Extension website recommends 10-10-10, ammonium sulfate or rhododendron/azalea fertilizer, which provides rich acidic nutrition. The Extension goes on to suggest sawdust, wood chip and peat moss mulch, which adds acidity to the soil as it breaks down. Maintain 2 to 4 inches of mulch at all times to protect soil moisture.