How to Plant a Small Blueberry Bush
Blueberries are one of nature's super foods. High in antioxidants and fiber and low in sodium and calories, blueberries have been shown to lower blood cholesterol, reduce the risk of cancer and provide protection against urinary tract infections. Blueberries are easy to grow but do not produce fruit for the first three years, with peak production occurring about the sixth year. Once they are established, blueberries are extremely hardy plants, tolerating temperatures below minus-20 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to obtain a high-quality blueberry bush that is suited to your climate. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Blueberry bush
- pH testing kit
- Acidic soil
- Granular sulfur
- Shovel
- Organic matter
- Mulch
- Fertilizer
- Water source
Instructions
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Decide where to plant your blueberry bush. Test the pH of the soil. Blueberries require an acidic pH of between 4 and 4.5.
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Add granular sulfur to achieve optimum pH. A chart to determine the amount in pounds can be found at http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1422.html. Test soil again. Blueberry bushes should not be planted until three months after sulfur granules are added to allow for even distribution throughout the soil.
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Dig a hole 18 inches deep and 18 inches wide. Fill with organic matter 4 inches from the top. Blueberries do best with a 7 percent concentration of organic matter.
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4
Place the blueberry bush on top of the organic matter and cover the root system with soil.
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5
Place a layer of mulch extending 2 feet out from the base of the bush and 4 inches high.
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Fertilize the bush once after planting and then bi-annually.
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7
Water the blueberry bush until the mulch is wet. Blueberries require 1 to 2 inches of water a week. The soil should be kept moist.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are planting multiple blueberry bushes, plant them in rows 5 to 6 feet apart.
Pruning is unnecessary for the first three years. After three years, prune off only dead and decaying sections of the bush.
The standard month for harvesting blueberries is July.
Pruning off more then half of new growth will result in a stunted crop the next season.
Birds are the greatest threat to blueberries. To keep birds away, cover blueberry bushes with a layer of bird netting. Bird netting can be purchased at nurseries or online.
