How to Take Care of a Blueberry Plant

Select a location with well-draining soil where the blueberry plants will receive full sunlight. Blueberries need at least eight hours of direct sunlight a day to produce fruit. Work in 2 to 3 inches of organic compost to the soil with a garden spade to a depth of 6 inches.

Test the garden soil with a pH testing kit. The soil needs a soil range between 4.5 and 5.1 depending on the variety of blueberries. Amend the soil with sulfur three months before you plant the blueberries. Follow the instructions on the sulfur product to add it properly.

Water the blueberry plants with 1 to 2 inches of water weekly during the growing season. Set up a drip irrigation system to water the blueberry bushes evenly when rainfall does not occur.

Add a 10-10-10 well-balanced fertilizer to the blueberry plants early in the spring and in the summer. Apply the appropriate amount according to the fertilizer package and the age of the blueberries.

Prune the blueberry plants to remove dead and diseased branches. Remove the flower buds during the first two years to help the blueberry bush grow.

Prune blueberry bushes after four years to generate younger growth. Leave six canes that are 2 to 5 years old on the bush, and cut the older ones off to stimulate new growth. Continue to remove dead and diseased branches, as well as branches that cross or rub against each other.

Add 2 to 4 inches of mulch around the blueberry plants. Add the mulch annually or when it breaks down.

Harvest the blueberries at the end of July through August. Pick the blueberries within three days after they ripen and turn blue in color. Cover the blueberry plants with netting to keep the birds from eating the fruit.

Apply 1 to 2 feet of hay around the base of the blueberry plants in the fall. This will protect the roots from freezing in the winter.