Sunday, July 15, 2018

What are the important requirements for growing blueberries?

Blueberries require a sunny location for full production. Avoid areas surrounded by trees. Trees can provide too much shade, compete with plants for water and nutrients, encourage birds, and interfere with air movement around the plants. Poor air circulation favors the development of diseases.

Full sun is desirable, but up to 50 percent shade is usually acceptable. Yield is reduced with increasing shade. Select a site that has sun for at least half the day. Blueberries have very specific soil requirements. Plants grow best in well‑drained, light, sandy loam soils that are high in organic matter.

Blueberries require a soil pH of 4.0 to 5.3 for best growth. The primary material recommended for lowering soil pH is finely ground wettable sulfur. The soil may be supplemented with peat or pine bark.

Although blueberries require readily available moisture, they will not tolerate poor drainage. Blueberries require well-drained, acidic soil that is high in organic matter. Adequate soil drainage is essential.

Blueberry plants will not tolerate excessive moisture (wet feet) for long periods. Ideal soils are well drained with a water table 14 to 22 inches below the surface. Blueberry plants are sensitive to frost damage. Therefore, it is important to avoid planting in low-lying areas.
What are the important requirements for growing blueberries?

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