How to Grow Blueberry Bushes

Blueberry bushes can live for 50 years and produce gallons of delicious fruit. By following a few basic steps, you can have a bountiful harvest year after year. Learn how to grow blueberry bushes in this HGTV video:

General Care

Blueberry bushes require 6-8 hours per day of sun. The roots love moisture through the growing season, so give them plenty of water. Mulch helps keep water in and weeds out. Monitor soil pH as blueberries love acidic soil.

Planting

It’s best to plant in fall or early spring. Before planting, determine the soil pH level. Dig a hole 2-1/2 feet wide and 1 foot deep. Add some garden soil back into the bottom. Please the plant at ground level. Surround with peat moss, then top with garden soil and an organic compost. Add a soil acidifier if the pH level is higher than 5. Cross-pollination is very important, so plant with another variety of the same family. Place plants about 6 feet apart – closer if you want a hedge. Dwarf varieties are perfect for containers and are great for patios or small spaces. Make sure to water containers well.

Watering

Blueberry bushes like well-drained soil. A soaker hose on a timer will give the best results. Keep the root zone moist during the growing season. Adding 2-4 inches of pine bark mulch keeps the moisture in and adds acidity to the soil.

Long-Term Care

Keep birds away with pinwheels and shiny objects when the fruit ripens. Move them daily and remove once the fruiting is over.

Fertilize once in early spring and once in late spring. Test the soil’s pH level yearly and amend soil around existing plants as needed. Prune bushes before they flower in early spring to promote more buds and greater airflow for years of wonderful rewards.