How to Grow Duke Blueberry Bushes in Northeast Michigan
Blueberries require a very specific set of growing conditions to produce a large number of berries, according to the University of Michigan. Blueberries such as the Duke variety grow well in northeast Michigan because of the soil's sandy conditions and high acid content. Duke blueberries produce larger fruits in higher yields than species such as highbush blueberries. The yield of Duke blueberries can be increased by improving the conditions of the soil they grow in. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- Peat moss
- Sulfur
- Rototiller
- Duke blueberry bushes
- Mulch
- Fertilizer (20-0-10)
- Pruning shears
Instructions
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1
Test the soil to determine the pH. Add amendments recommended by the test reach a pH level of 4.0 to 5.0.
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2
Break up the soil with a garden tiller to a depth of 8 inches. Spread soil amendments over the soil in a layer that is 3 inches thick. Mix the amendments into the soil with the tiller.
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3
Dig a hole for the blueberry plants that is as large as the root ball. Soak the bush's root ball for a four or five minutes to loosen the soil and allow it to absorb water. Spread the roots out over the soil and cover the plant. Water until the soil is as damp as a wrung-out sponge.
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4
Mulch the plant with acidic mulch such as pine needles or pine bark. Fertilize yearly with a nitrogen-based fertilizer (20-0-10) in spring. Follow the label instructions for dosage.
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5
Prune bushes in late fall when they go dormant. Remove any canes that are older than 6 years.
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Tips & Warnings
Michigan State University provides soil testing services for a small fee as a feature of its Soil and Plant Nutrient laboratory. The laboratory can be accessed through the Michigan State University Extension Service, or a local county extension agent can give instructions on the preferred method for collecting and submitting a soil sample.
Amendments that will help improve soil for blueberries include sulfur to lower the pH of soil. A blueberry orchard may require between 400 and 900 lbs. of sulfur per acre to lower the soil 1 pH level. Organic materials such as peat moss improve water retention in the sandy soils of northeast Michigan.
Purchase Duke blueberry bushes from a reputable blueberry grower that will certify that the berries are disease free.
Blueberries dislike sitting in water but are very drought-sensitive.
Mulch will help hold moisture in the soil as well as choke out grass that would compete with the plants.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Canadian blueberry image by Milan Kincl from Fotolia.com
