Blueberry Soil Conditions and Site Selection

Blueberries are a popular, high-value crop both for commercial and amateur cultivation. Proper planning, focusing on site selection, soil preparation, and effective planting distances, is essential for a thriving blueberry crop.

Site Selection and Soil Requirements for Blueberries

It is essential always to do a soil analysis of your field so that we know what and how to apply any necessary fertilizers or fungicides. Blueberries can withstand a 50% shade, but the yield maximizes when grown in ample sunlight, in regions with relatively low winter temperatures, and protected from strong winds. More specifically, most varieties need 500-750 hours of chilling at temperatures below 45°F (7°C). Northern highbush varieties are the most cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as -20 to -30°F (-28 to -34°C), while rabbiteye varieties are less cold-resistant and can be damaged at temperatures below 0°F (-17°C).

Blueberries thrive in rich, fertile soils with an organic matter above 3%. The plants prefer sandy or sandy loam soils, rich with organic matter of at least 3% and acidic with a pH between 4.0-5.5 (optimum pH is 4.8). Many producers incorporate sulfur into the ground at least 6 months before planting to reduce the pH if necessary (below 5.5). Despite their shallow root system, blueberries are very sensitive to excess soil water. For this reason, well-drained soils with a water table deeper than 60 cm (23.6 inches) below the ground level are needed.

Soil Preparation for Planting Blueberries

Proper soil preparation is critical to establishing a productive blueberry plantation. You can conduct a soil analysis well before planting to determine its pH and nutrient content. If the pH is above 5.5, you can consider incorporating sulfur into the soil at least six months before planting to lower it to the desired range.

To enhance soil fertility, growers are advised to incorporate organic matter such as peat moss or compost into the soil in the fall before planting. Organic matter is a source of energy for beneficial microorganisms and acts like a sponge, holding nutrients so they don't leach but remain available to the plant. Organic matter also helps to build a better soil structure. It also facilitates air movement and the entrance and percolation of water into and through the soil and improves the soil's water-holding capacity. Additionally, raised beds 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) are highly recommended for better drainage and root aeration.

Soil Preparation for Planting Blueberries.PNG

Planting Blueberries: Distances and Best Practices

Blueberries are best planted in late fall to early spring, depending on the region and climate.

Spacing between plants varies based on the type of blueberry. Highbush varieties typically require 1.2-1.8 meters (4-6 feet) between plants in a row and 2-3 meters (6-10 feet) between rows. Being larger and more vigorous, Rabbiteye varieties need greater spacing, with rows spaced 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) apart. In commercial setups, planting densities generally range from 1,300 to 2,000 plants per acre (3,200 to 5,000 plants per hectare).

When preparing planting holes, you can dig twice as wide as the root system, about 45 cm (18 inches) in diameter and 60 cm (24 inches) deep. Generally, plants perform better when planted in deeper but narrow holes. You can place the blueberry slightly deeper (1-2 in or 2-5 cm) than it was in the nursery so that the soil covers the roots well enough. You can fill the hole with a mixture of 50% field soil and 50% organic matter, such as moist peat moss, compost, leaves, or pine needles. You can avoid adding fertilizers directly into the planting hole, as they may damage young roots.

You can choose healthy 2-3-year-old potted or bare-root plants from a reputable nursery. You can place each plant slightly deeper than in the nursery, ensuring the root ball is well-covered with soil. It is important to water thoroughly after planting and ensure consistent irrigation, typically two to three times per week, depending on rainfall.

To maintain soil moisture and suppress weed growth, you can apply organic mulch around the base of the plants in a 3-4 feet (1-meter) wide band. A good organic mulch can be wood chips, bark, leaves, shavings, or pine needles, although the latter can acidify the soil over time, and it is more difficult to find. If possible, you can avoid sawdust because it tends to compress the soil over time and obstruct the water from reaching the roots. For optimal effectiveness, mulch should be renewed every 1-2 years.

The plants are expected to start producing considerable amounts of fruits around 2 years after planting. To ensure that your investments will pay off, you have to plan in advance. You can choose your market goals carefully, prepare your site and select the best variety.

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