Can You Plant Ground Cover Under Blueberries?

Blueberry Nutrient Requirements

• Blueberries require organically rich soil to produce the highest volume of blueberries per plant. Select a location that has well-draining, fertile soil. It is not a good idea to plant ground cover under blueberries, as these plants deplete the soil of nutrients needed by the blueberries.

Mulching

• Blueberries require well-drained but moist soil. Keep soil moist, particularly during hot summer months or dry climates, by applying a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the plants.

Fertilization of Blueberry Plants

• Often, during the peak of growing season, it is necessary to fertilize blueberry plants. Ground cover plants make additional fertilization applications necessary for the blueberries to meet the additional soil nutrient needs as they form and ripen fresh berries.

Typical Use of Blueberry Plants

• Blueberry plants are typically used a natural ground cover in many landscapes to attract birds and other wildlife to backyards. The plants are fairly low to the ground and help prevent run-off and help solve drainage problems. Adding additional ground cover plants beneath them is not necessary.