How to Transplant Blueberry Plants
Blueberry bushes, a native berry to North America, grow mainly in the Northeast, although a few varieties grow in the southern states. Blueberry bushes are a member of the rhododendron family of plants and have roots that grow close to the surface of the soil. These shallow roots mean you can transplant blueberry bushes without fear of damaging them. The most important part of transplanting is preparing the new soil. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Soil pH tester
- Soil acidifier
- Water
- Shovel
- Peat moss
- Sulfur (optional)
- Garden tiller (optional)
Instructions
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1
Choose a new planting location with direct sunlight and well-draining soil.
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2
Insert the metal probe of a soil pH tester into the soil in the new planting location and determine the pH level. The ideal pH for blueberry plants is between 4.5 and 5.5, according to Heartland Blueberries.
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Apply a liquid soil acidifier to the ground if the pH level is too high, based on the soil test. Mix the soil acidifer with water as directed by the packaging. Typically, you will use approximately 1 tbsp. of acidifier per gallon of water.
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4
Insert a shovel into the ground at least 2 feet away from the base of the blueberry bush and lean back on it to create a small wedge-shaped opening in the soil. Remove the shovel and look inside the opening to see if there are roots visible. If roots are visible, move the shovel 6 inches further from the bush and insert it into the soil again.
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5
Dig a circle around the blueberry bush using the shovel. Each time you insert the shovel into the soil, lean back on it to lift the base of the plant slightly.
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6
Grasp the base of the blueberry bush in one hand and the loosened root ball in the other, then lift the blueberry bush out of the ground.
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Dig a hole in the new planting location at least 2 feet wide and 2 feet deep. Place 2 to 3 gallons of damp peat moss into the bottom of the hole. If the peat moss is dry, water until it is damp but not soggy.
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Place the roots of the blueberry bush into the hole and ensure they sit approximately one-quarter to one-half inch below the soil surface and no deeper. If needed, add additional peat moss to the bottom of the hole. Fill in the top of hole with soil and pack it down firmly with your hands.
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Water the soil with a garden hose until it is damp to a 2-inch depth. Test the moisture depth by sticking your finger into the soil. After planting, water the blueberry bush every other day until it is moist to a 2-inch depth for the first year. Skip watering on days when rainfall occurs.
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Tips & Warnings
Since soil acidifiers eventually dissipate, you must reapply the solution to the soil every two weeks year-round.
To slowly but permanently lower soil pH, spread sulfur on the ground in amounts specified on the packaging for your size planting area. Work the sulfur into the top 5 inches of soil with a garden tiller.
References
- Photo Credit bilberry image by ril from Fotolia.com
