How to Plant Blueberries in the Fall

Depending upon the type of blueberry plant you choose, it can grow large or small, in a container or in the ground. While many gardeners find success with planting blueberry bushes in the fall, make sure to dig into the soil before soil temperatures reach 45 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows your plant a warm enough temperature to start root growth. For fastest results, plant container-grown blueberry plants that are already two or three years old.

Soil test kit
Soil amendments
Shovel
Mulch
20-0-10+5 fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Test the soil in the area where you want to plant the blueberries. Blueberries prefer the soil pH to fall between 4.5 and 5.0. Adjust the soil with soil amendments if it falls out of that range.
- 2
  Dig a hole 2 inches deeper than what the plant was originally grown in.
- 3
  Plant the plants 4 to 6 feet apart in the row, depending upon the soil quality. Space plants 4 to 5 feet apart on less fertile soil and 5 to 6 feet apart in soil that is more organic. Position rows 10 to 12 feet apart. Position blueberry plants closer together if you want a more hedge-like appearance.
- 4
  Apply 2 to 4 inches of mulch around the base of the plants. Mulch keeps the soil moist and protects the tender roots during the cold weather months.
- 5
  Water each plant until the top 12 to 16 inches of soil is wet, but don't allow the water to puddle up on the surface.

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