How Do I Know if My Soil is the Correct Acidity for Blueberry Plants?
Blueberry plants thrive best in soils that have a PH level of about 5.0. While containerized blueberry plants can enjoy the perfect soil environment if the proper mix is used, we recommend soil samples first for any ground installations. Taking a proper soil sample for blueberry planting will be important. Soil Samples can be taken directly to most local County Farm Extension offices and the cost is minimal. Once you have received your reading along with it’s recommendations, you are ready for your blueberry plant soil preparation.
If your soil PH is too high, granulated sulfur can be used to adjust the PH. Your soil test specific for growing blueberries will tell you how much sulfur needs to be applied if your PH is too high. You have to be very careful applying sulfur; too much can harm or kill blueberry plants. Sulfur needs to be applied 60-90 days prior to planting. Otherwise, only a very small amount can be applied around the plants at a time. Peat Moss is the perfect PH for blueberries, so adding it to your soil is helpful. You will occasionally want to check the PH of the soil in the area in which your blueberry bushes are planted and adjust it as necessary. It is extremely important you have the correct PH for any blueberry project. Become familiar with your choice of a good organic publication or conventional publication as a handy reference.
Soil Amendment for Blueberry Plant Installation
We recommend and have had much success using a mixture of Peat Moss mixed with Pine Soil Conditioner in soil amendment applications for ground installation of blueberry plants.
The following ratios for Peat Moss to Pine Fines (Pine-based soil conditioner) are based on a 1 (One) acre blueberry installation project at 1,049 plants per acre. This volume is based on plants every 4′ apart in a row, with rows being 12′ apart.
NON-BULK Ratios: 1 (3.8 cu’) bags Peat Moss/4 (1.5 cu’) bags Pine Soil Conditioner*
BULK Ratios: *Pine Soil Conditioner, or finely ground pine mulch, can often be purchased in bulk unlike Peat Moss. If you are able to purchase Pine Soil Conditioner in bulk, the conversion would be: 104 (3.8 cu’) bags Peat Moss/30 cu yd. of Pine Soil Conditioner.
Mixing Peat Moss and Pine Fines
Due to popular demand, enjoy this short video showing a proper consistency for mixing 50/50 Peat and Pine Mulch with water. Notice the mixture is not too soupy, yet not crumbling on the dry side.
Stay tuned for How-To videos on working in the amendment. In the meantime, if this is your first ground soil amendment and you need live help, we would be happy to speak with you. Call us at (270) 432-5836.