What Sizes of Raised Beds Are for Blueberries?

Bed Depth

• Blueberry plants have shallow root systems without the root hairs that most plants have, which assist in absorbing more water and nutrients. Because of this, blueberry plants are more susceptible to changes in soil moisture and temperature. Raised beds help manage these conditions. Since blueberry roots are shallow and grow in the top 12 inches of soil, raised beds should be at least 14 inches, but don't need to be more than about 16 inches.

Bed Width

• The raised bed dimensions can be designed with the growing site in mind. A width of 4 feet is commonly recommended because it is easy to care for plants without danger of soil compaction from walking through the beds. Wider beds can be made, however, with stepping stones through the center to allow for harvesting and maintenance access. Wood- or stone-framed beds will retain soil for wide beds better than unframed, mounded beds.

Bed Length

• There is no set recommended length for raised blueberry beds. The length can be adjusted to suit the needs and function of the planting site. Long row beds can be made if this assists in harvesting or maintenance procedures, or short, square 4 foot by 4 foot beds could grow four large blueberry bushes. Splitting up long rows is often a practical idea to avoid extra walking and convenient wheelbarrow access.

Plant Spacing

• Spacing between blueberry plants depends largely upon the varieties being planted. "Lowbush" varieties stay less than 3 feet tall and can be planted in a grid with 1 foot between plants in all directions. "Half-highs" are medium varieties and should be spaced 2 to 3 feet apart in rows separated by 6 to 8 feet. "Highbush" varieties can reach up to 10 feet in height and should be planted 4 to 5 feet apart in rows separated by 8 to 10 feet.