5 Tips for Growing Blueberry Bushes

The following may seem like advice that is too basic, but I worked on the planning of a commercial blueberry farm awhile back—and this simple advice is right on!

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July 16, 2012

When it comes to growing blueberry bushes, many people get frustrated, perceiving blueberries as difficult to grow. On the contrary, blueberries are fairly easy to grow and maintain, with the proper conditions. For optimum fruit production, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Choose the right variety

There are many varieties of blueberry bushes. Choosing a blueberry variety that will do well in your climate is the first step to productive blueberry bushes! You may even want to choose a few types, to allow for cross-pollination.

2. Start with the right soil pH

Blueberries prefer an unusually acidic soil in comparison to their other fruit counterparts, generally between 4-5. Many people use Sulfur to amend their soil, making it ideal for blueberry bushes. If you’ve been having trouble with your blueberry bushes, it’s possible the pH is too high. Do a soil test to determine the needs of your particular soil.

3. Keep the soil moist

Blueberry bushes have shallow root systems, and while they prefer a well-drained soil, they like their soil moist. Using mulch can help in keeping the surface moist for the shallow roots.

4. The more sun, the better

Blueberries love all the sun they can get. Plant bushes in full sun for best results.

5. Use mulch

Mulching your blueberry bushes offers many benefits. Not only will it keep the soil moist, but it also helps deter weeds from growing and competing with the blueberry bushes. A few inches of mulch can do wonders!

While it’s not fool-proof, keeping these tips in mind will certainly help your blueberries to do their best. For more help with growing blueberry bushes, or adjusting your soil acidity, contact us today!