How to Transplant & Hydrate Blueberry Bushes

Till a planting site 2 1/2 feet in diameter and 1 foot deep. Remove a third to half of the soil from the area. Distribute an equal amount of peat moss or a 1-cubic-foot compressed peat moss bale and till into the area. By amending the planting site before digging up the plant, you shorten the time that the blueberry bush can dry out.

Water the blueberry plant for two to three days before transplanting to soften the soil and hydrate the plant. Water slowly enough for the first 6 inches of topsoil to become moist. Dig a 6-inch hole next to the plant after watering to confirm the water has soaked deeply enough.

Dig a trench around the dripline of the blueberry bush at a depth of 15 to 24 inches to get the entire root ball of the bush. Push a shovel underneath the root ball to lift the bush through the soil. Wrap a moist burlap sack around the root ball of the plant and lift it into a wheelbarrow or onto a tarp to move it to the planting site.

Dig a hole that is as deep as the blueberry was planted in its former location and twice the size of the root ball. Place the blueberry plant inside the hole and pack soil around the base. Apply 1 inch of water to the blueberry plant.

Spread a 3- to 4-inch layer of pine bark, pine cones or oak leaves around the blueberry bush. By using an acidic mulch, you lower the soil's pH and help retain soil moisture.