Readers ask: How To Plant Blueberry Bushes?

Where is the best place to plant blueberry bushes?

Select a sunny, sheltered spot. While blueberries are tolerant of shade, better crops are obtained in the sun. At the same time, they should not be exposed to harsh, drying winds. Don’t plant blueberries too close to trees, as the trees will not only block out sunlight, but will also suck up any moisture in the soil.

What month is best to plant blueberries?

December and January are also ideal months to place new blueberry plants in the ground because of winter dormancy, notes the University of California. In colder areas, gardeners may have to wait until early spring when the ground has thawed before planting and until the following year to see for fruit yields.

Do you need 2 blueberry bushes to produce fruit?

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) bushes are self-pollinating to an extent, but grow larger fruit through cross-pollination by a second variety. Bees and wind help bushes to cross-pollinate, although the bushes need to be near each other to be productive.

Are used coffee grounds good for blueberry bushes?

Coffee grounds are highly acidic, they note, so they should be reserved for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. And if your soil is already high in nitrogen, the extra boost from coffee grounds could stunt the growth of fruits and flowers.

Do blueberries like sun or shade?

Blueberry plants need full sun: Once you have your location selected, make sure that the location will get full sun, at least ¾ of the day. Blueberries will tolerate partial shade, especially late in the day.

Do blueberry bushes spread?

Blueberry plants will gradually spread from their growing location through a process called suckering. New, fast-growing shoots grow out of the soil from the main root cluster a few inches from the main clump. Over time, the size of the blueberry bush grows gradually as new suckers form.

How many blueberries should I plant for a family of 4?

Plan on 3 dwarf plants for one person or for a family of four plant 3 standard plants.

How do you prepare soil for blueberries?

Blueberries prefer acidic soils. A fail-safe way to grow blueberries in almost any soil is to incorporate peat moss into the planting medium. For planting directly in the ground, work up a planting area approximately 2½ feet in diameter and 1 foot deep for each plant. Remove 1/3 to 1/2 of the soil.

What is the best fertilizer for blueberries?

Blackberries respond well to any nitrogen-rich fertilizer, but blueberries require fertilizers with an ammonium form of nitrogen such as urea, sulfur-coated urea, ammonium sulfate, or cottonseed meal. Any fertilizer sold for azaleas or rhododendrons also works well for blueberries.

What should I not plant with blueberries?

Blueberry Antagonists (do NOT plant Blueberry with these) Excellent choice deciding to grow blueberries! They do require the soil to be more acidic so its best to avoid planting tomatoes nearby.

How much space does a blueberry bush need?

You can plant blueberry bushes as close as 2 or 2.5 feet apart to form solid hedgerows, or space them up to 6 feet apart so they grow individually. If you plant in rows, allow 8 to 10 feet between the rows.

Why are my blueberry bushes not producing?

Help for Blueberries Not Fruiting There may be a number of reasons for no flowers on blueberries. Although they need consistent irrigation during the growing season, blueberries dislike “wet feet.” You should also plant them in full sun. A shaded area may prevent the plant from blossoming, hence setting fruit.

Are eggshells good for blueberry bushes?

Save your eggshells and turn them into a natural acidic fertilizer loved by Blueberries, Roses, Azaleas, and Hibiscus. Eggshells are almost 100% calcium carbonate, one of the main ingredients in agricultural lime, which increases the pH of acidic soil. Save your eggshells and allow them to dry.

Can you put Epsom salt on blueberries?

If your blueberries need magnesium, Epsom salt grants temporary relief. In deficient soils, broadcast 1/4 cup of Epsom salt in a 10-inch diameter around the plant, and water thoroughly. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt in one gallon of water, and spray the plant’s foliage thoroughly.

How do I make my soil more acidic for blueberries?

One method is to add sphagnum peat around the base of the blueberry plant about once a year. Used coffee grounds can also be used. Another method for lowering blueberry soil pH is to make sure you are fertilizing your blueberries with an acidic fertilizer.