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How To Grow Blueberries

BLUEBERRIES are very easy to grow deciduous fruit bearing shrubs that grow best in full sun, with well drained, sandy, organically rich acid soil, (ph 4.5-5.2). Northern Highbush and Half-High blueberry plants are extremely hardy and can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 depending on the variety.

 When buying blueberry plants avoid buying bare-root plants as they can be slower to establish for the home gardener. In addition, try to only purchase blueberry plants that have been grown without pesticides or synthetically-produced fertilizers.

Plant two or more blueberry varieties to increase crop yield and to stagger fruit throughout the growing season. Some of the hardiest varieties that are proven performers are:

Patriot Blueberry   

Bluecrop Blueberry

Northland Blueberry

Toro Blueberry

Chandler Blueberry

Jersey Blueberry

Soil Preparation for Blueberry Plants:

QUICK TIP: If your soil pH is higher than 7.0, or if you do not want to bother with determining and correcting your soil pH, consider planting blueberries in a raised bed or a large container. Planting blueberry plants in a raised bed allows you to instantly achieve the correct soil pH by the amendments that you add.

When you plant blueberries you are planting a fruit bearing plant that will provide you with enjoyment and tasty berries for many years to come. Taking the time to do a little soil preparation before you plant your blueberries will pay you back in increased berry production and plant vigor. In order for blueberry plants to produce abundant  crops of berries the soil pH needs to be in the4.5 – 5.2 range. Soils not within the range of pH acceptability for blueberry plant growth should be prepared BEFORE planting. If the pH is too high, the growth of the plant is slowed and the foliage turns yellow. If the pH is too high for an extended period of time, the plants can struggle and eventually die. When several plants are to be grown together, more satisfactory results will be obtained if an entire bed is prepared rather than digging holes for individual plants.

If the pH of the soil is between 5.5 and 7.0 and the texture is sandy to sandy loam, the following method can be used. Mix 4 to 6 inches of quality peat moss into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. In addition to acidifying the soil, the peat increases the soil organic matter content and improves soil tilth. In addition to, or instead of, adding peat moss, you can also add pine needles or untreated pine wood shavings or bark to the soil. The tannins in the pine needles and wood shavings  will assist in lowering the pH level of the soil as they decompose.

Soils with a pH greater than 7.0 will require higher rates of acidifying amendments and are not recommended for blueberries. If your soil pH is higher than 7.0 consider planting blueberries in a raised bed or a large container. Planting blueberry plants in a raised bed allows you to instantly achieve the correct soil pH by the amendments that you add.

Blueberry Plant Care:

Blueberries require adequate water, especially the first year that they are planted, to properly establish a good root system. During the growing season, blueberry plants typically require 1” of water per week. If you are unsure about how much water to give your blueberry plants, dig down approximately 6" deep 12" away from the crown of the plant. The soil should be moist but not soggy. Deep watering 2-3 times per week for a longer period of time is more effective than lightly watering everyday.

To protect the roots, discourage weed growth and help retain moisture, mulch around the base of the blueberry plants with organic mulch or with pine bark, pine chips and needles or pine sawdust.

Fertilize blueberry plants with an acid fertilizer such as Down to Earth Organic Acid Fertilizer when the buds first swell in the spring, then once again when the fruit is setting. In the first year after planting, blueberries need special care to help them become well established. In addition to watering, be sure to remove the flowers during the first year of growth. You will be rewarded the next year with a higher yielding harvest and healthier plant. Removing the flowers encourages the young plant to focus all of its energy into producing a vigorous plant with many branches and a better root system, rather than producing fruit.

Prune young blueberry plants by removing dead, diseased or damaged canes and twiggy growth each spring. As plants mature, open the center to allow sunlight and good air flow, keeping 8-10 canes rising from the crown by removing the oldest dark cane and remaining low growing, dead and diseased branches and small twigs.

Northern Highbush and Half-High Blueberry plants are extremely winter hardy, so very little winter preparation is required. Prior to winter trim back any long canes that might whip around in the winter winds or that may break due to snow weight. Lightly mulch with organic mulch, pine needles or wood shavings around the base of the plant and wait for spring to come!

Try our blueberry recipes developed in our farm test kitchen: Blueberry Bran Muffins, Blueberry Apple Pudding