Why are blueberry bushes so hard to grow?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Blueberry bushes cause frustration among many gardeners due to their finicky requirements as a plant.If the soil pH is outside of 4.5-5.5, the nutrient lockout can occur, which presents as yellowing leaves.Overwatering can drown the roots in only a few days.Pests can destroy a whole crop overnight.My first bushes died from being in alkaline soil. I found that testing and adjusting the pH was non-negotiable.
Soil Acidity
- Test pH monthly with $12 digital meter
- Amend with 1 lb elemental sulfur per 100 sq ft
- Avoid wood ash or lime-based compost
Water Management
- Water 1-2 inches weekly via drip irrigation
- Use finger test, soil should feel damp, not soggy
- Mulch with pine needles to retain moisture
Pest Control
- Cover bushes with netting during fruiting
- Apply neem oil weekly for beetles/aphids
- Clear fallen berries to deter spotted wing drosophila
Pruning mistakes can make a major difference in the harvest. Unpruned bushes become too dense blocking sunlight and air. One season, I lost 80% of my crop to moldy berries. Now, I prune at the end of winter and cut out any crossed branches while opening up the center of the bush. The yields tripled the following season.
Birds can strip bushes quicker than one might imagine. On one occasion, I lost an entire crop in one night. Using heavy-duty netting that is secured to the ground is by far the best approach. Do not use anything lightweight because raccoons will tear through it. With the heavy-duty netting, I have found it helpful to also use scare tape during the peak ripening cycle.
The signs of overwatering are similar to those of drought stress. Yellow leaves and wilting can lead the gardener to water an already-overwatered plant. If you are unsure, we recommend probing the soil approximately 6 inches deep, if it feels damp to the touch, you have to wait. We killed two bushes doing this before we bought our $15 moisture meter. Now the only time we water is if the moisture meter reads 4-6.
Soil testing prevents trial and/or error. Home kits often tell lies, I mail in samples to my state's extension lab. In alkaline regions, raised beds with 50% peat moss help. Ground plantings require yearly sulfur amendments. Patience pays off, it took three seasons to stabilize my soil at a pH of 5.2.
Read the full article: How to Grow Blueberries: 7 Essential Steps for Success
