Introduction to Growing Blueberries

Do you want to begin growing blueberries? Or, have you been growing blueberries for a long time and simply want to get fresh ideas or helpful suggestions? This growing corner will teach you how to grow blueberries.

Table of Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Steps to Success
  3. Planting Summary
  4. Video Guides
  5. Quick Tips
  6. View our Blueberry plants

Overview

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Blueberries are a great investment for health and happiness, and Nourse Farms can show you how they are one of the easiest fruits to produce. With proper attention to soil pH, and choosing your planting area wisely, you can reap harvests for 20-30 years or more!

Studies show that eating plenty of blueberries can improve your memory and eyesight. But don’t forget to order early and make sure the pH goes below 5.0 for sure success. Our 18-inch, dormant bare-root plants are now cell grown for the highest quality and unifomity available. 

Steps to Success

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Step 1 – Plan your Space

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blueberry spacing

Step 2 – Prepare your Planting Area

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prepare your space for blueberry planting

Step 3 – Plant your Blueberries

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blueberry planting

Step 4 – Harvest your Blueberries

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blueberry harvesting

Step 5 – Maintain your Blueberry Plants

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Growing BlueberriesClick to print PDF of the Blueberry Steps to Success

Planting Summary

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Spacing

  • 4’–5’ between plants
  • 8’–12’ between rows
  • Be careful not to plant too deeply

Irrigation

  • Keep soil moist throughout the establishment period

pH Requirements

  • For best results, amend pH levels before planting, however, plants can be successfully established without prior pH adjustments if you follow our instructions
  • Measure/maintain pH levels regularly for best success
  • Adding sulfur may be necessary to adjust pH: 4.5–4.8 this is very important

Fertilization

  • Wait4–6 weeks after planting before fertilizing to avoid burning roots
  • Year 1– 1oz ammonium sulfate in a circular band around each plant
  • Following years – 2oz per plant at bloom time and again 1 month later
  • Don't fertilize after July
  • Avoid fertilizers containing potassium chloride

Weed Control

  • Mulch with 3"–4" wood chips
  • Avoid treated or colored bark mulch
  • Regular manual weeding is necessary

Special Considerations

  • For best production at least 2 blueberry varieties should be used for cross-pollination

Video Guides

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Our videos are written and produced by Nate Nourse and are aimed at your success. You'll find all our Video Learning Guides in our Video Library.

Nourse Farms fields

Planting and Growing our Strawberry Plant Nursery

Nourse Farms fields

Digging and Packing Strawberry Plants

Nourse Farms fields

How to Plant
Strawberries

Quick Tips

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Healthy berry plants require these important elements:

Berry Planting Tips
  • Early planting! Plant as early as possible in the spring. Snow or occasional frost will not hurt most new plants (green tissue culture plants excepted), and spring rains will foster growth. Planting in the fall is not recommended in the Northeast and Midwest.
  • A sunny, weed-free location with at least a half-day of sunlight.
  • Clean beds that are frequently weeded.
  • Well-drained soil. For poor drainage conditions, consider raised beds.
  • Proper soil pH. Matching soil pH to plant requirements can be a huge factor in your success. Sample the soil before planting and contact your local cooperative extension office for assistance.
  • Crop rotation. Avoid planting strawberries or raspberries in soils where previous crops have included strawberries, raspberries, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant or peppers. These crops may harbor the soil pathogens Verticillium, Phytophthora and nematodes and may affect your new plants.
  • Irrigation. Maintain proper moisture levels throughout the season and, most importantly, during the establishment period. Drip irrigation is imperative when planting in raised beds.

Avoid Common Mistakes

  • Read free planting guide 1-3 months before planting.
  • Plants will fail to flourish if roots are too deep or too shallow.
  • Pack soil firmly around the roots.
  • Do not plant near wild plants or plants whose origins are unknown.
  • Water well one to three times a week, not every day.
  • Avoid fertilizer burn by fertilizing only after plants are established.
  • Do not soak plants in water more than 1 hour!