Common Mistakes When Planting Blueberry Bushes

You probably know that fruit is an important part of your daily diet, but you may not think of growing it yourself. Chances are, you already purchase fruits from your local grocery store, but you can grow them in your yard and enjoy fresh produce! If you’re considering growing blueberries in your garden, you should know the common mistakes to avoid when planting blueberry bushes to ensure the best berries.

Planting Multiple Bushes of the Same Variety

It’s no secret that there are various blueberry types, but that doesn’t mean you should choose one and plant a bunch of them. In fact, this is one of the worst things to do. Blueberry bushes aren’t self-pollinating, so they need other blueberry varieties around for cross-pollination. You should consider planting a few different varieties near each other on your property.

Not Checking the Soil’s pH First

You probably know that many plants and trees will tolerate various soil pH levels; however, blueberries are the exception. They don’t like soil that isn’t acidic—between 4.0 and 5.0 pH is the ideal range for blueberry bushes. If you’re unsure of your soil’s pH levels, test it before planting the bushes.

If the test reflects non-acidic soil, you can fix it. Consider using additives to bring your soil into the correct range for blueberries. You can also build a raised planter and give your bushes acidic soil.

Planting Them in the Shade

Before ordering blueberry plants online, guarantee you have a spot with plenty of sunlight. Planting blueberry bushes in the shade is one of the worst things you can do, as the berries may not turn out sweet and tasty. Furthermore, the sun provides the light blueberry bushes need to grow and prevents poor airflow and plant diseases.

Not Applying Mulch

Blueberry bushes have shallow root systems, which means their roots can dry out quickly. Fortunately, you can protect your blueberry bushes from drying out by applying a layer of mulch to the bed, as it prevents moisture evaporation from the soil. Whether you choose wood chips or pine needles, mulching your blueberry beds in the fall and spring is a great way to prevent dry roots weed growth.

Hopefully, knowing these common mistakes when planting blueberry bushes will help you avoid them. Blueberries are one of the best fruits to add to your daily diet, and the bushes will continue producing fruit for many years if you care for them properly.