Where is the best place to plant blueberry bushes?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Selecting the right place to plant blueberry bushes will positively affect the plants and their fruit production. First, you should try to find a location that gets 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day, which is an important environmental factor for growing blueberries; plus, it needs to plan for good drainage and ideally, some protection from strong winds. My first blueberry bushes failed in partial shade; however, when I moved them into full sunlight, my production more than doubled by season's end.
Sunlight Requirements
- Morning sun dries dew, reducing fungal risks
- Avoid areas shaded by buildings after noon
- Southern exposure maximizes light in cooler climates
Soil Preparation
- Test pH with $15 soil kits every 6 months
- Mix 1 lb elemental sulfur per 100 sq ft to lower pH
- Top-dress with 3" pine needle mulch annually
Wind Protection
- Plant 10 ft from windbreaks like fences or evergreens
- Use burlap screens for young bushes in exposed areas
- Avoid low spots where cold air pools
Soil testing eliminates uncertainty. I usually use a $20 digital meter which gives me immediate pH readings. For heavy clay soil, I use raised beds with peat moss and compost to prevent root rot. If you have sandy soils, you can just add organic matter to help with retaining moisture because blueberries do not like to dry out.
Spacing is important. Dense bushes will compete for nutrients and attract pests. Aim for 5-6 ft spacing between plants to maintain airflow. My neighbor's crowded plot had a major outbreak of powdery mildew, and simply spacing and pruning the plants eliminated this problem, without using fungicides.
Windbreaks save flowers. After losing flowers to the typical winds of spring, I planted a row of junipers 8 ft north of my hedges. Pollination improved and berries turned evenly. Avoid planting anything too close to large trees, tree roots will steal water and nutrients.
For container planting, I use 20-gallon pots with drainage holes. I fill each pot with equal parts of peat, pine bark, and perlite. To ensure each culture receives an even amount of sun, I rotate the containers every week. If the planting is done in the ground, consider sloping the site slightly lower on one end to ensure proper drainage and avoid waterlogging plants after rainfall.
Read the full article: How to Grow Blueberries: 7 Essential Steps for Success
