Prepping Your Space

Blueberries need a full sun location with well-drained, acidic soil for optimal growth. Full sun locations have at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. This can be an open area or a space on the south or west face of your home.

If you aren’t sure about the acidity of your soil, consider a soil test. You are aiming for a pH of 4.5-5.5. If your soil isn’t acidic enough, you can amend it with a sulfur product like Soil Acidifier from Espoma.

Smaller blueberries can be grown in containers. Choose a quality potting soil and amend it with peat moss or sulfur to alter the pH. Containers dry out faster than planting in the ground and are not as protected from harsh winters, so keep this in mind when choosing a container for your blueberry.

Selecting the Right Blueberry

For the best fruit, you need two different types of blueberries to cross pollinate. Blueberries will pollinate each other across species so you don’t have to be picky! Most people, however, probably prefer two bushes of similar size to balance each other. If you are growing in a container, choose a variety that stays small.

Blueberry harvests grow as the plant matures. Select a larger starter plant if you want larger harvests in the early years.

Planting

Blueberries need a full sun location with well-drained, acidic soil for the best growth.
Blueberries are hardy in our area, which means they will survive the cold and come back year after year. You can plant blueberries at any time of year, but the early spring or late fall is the best time to plant as the temperatures are cooler.

Dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the pot that the blueberry bush is growing in and about as deep. Plant the blueberry with the crown of the plant (where the roots begin) even with the ground.

The spacing between blueberries will depend on the variety you select. Leave enough room for your blueberry bushes to reach their mature size, with enough space for air flow.
Mulch around the base of the plant, leaving space between the mulch and the stems. Mulch no deeper than 2 to 3 inches.

Watering

Blueberries need consistent moisture, but do not like to sit with wet roots. Make sure to water for a few weeks after planting if we don’t receive rain. During times of drought in the heat of the summer, consider giving your new blueberries some additional watering. Established plants are much better at accessing water in the soil as their root system expands.

The best technique for watering all plants is to water directly at the base of the plant. Avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage can increase the risk of disease and leaf damage. Watering deeply in the morning for best results.

Other Care Elements

Fertilizer: Producing fruits takes a lot of energy! Apply a balanced fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, like Berry-Tone or Holly-Tone. Follow the easy instructions on the back of the bag for best results. Do not use a fertilizer with excessive nitrogen, which can prioritize the growth of leaves, rather than fruits.

Pruning: Prune blueberry bushes annually in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood, as well as any crossing branches or suckers. Thin out overcrowded branches to improve air circulation and encourage better fruiting.

Pest and Disease Control: Monitor blueberry plants regularly for signs of pests such as aphids, spider mites, and fruit flies. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. If you notice signs of pests, or disease, remove fallen leaves in the fall to reduce the chance of these problems recurring year after year.

By following these care guidelines, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious blueberries from your Pennsylvania garden year after year. Happy growing!