Choose a sunny location with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight
Plant in acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5
Test the soil before planting
Improve soil with peat moss, pine bark, or sulfur if needed
Select blueberry varieties suited to your climate
Plant at least two compatible varieties for better pollination and yield
Plant in early spring or fall
Space bushes 3 to 6 feet apart, depending on variety
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep
Set the plant at the same depth it was growing in the container
Water thoroughly after planting
Apply mulch such as pine needles, wood chips, or bark
Keep mulch 2 to 4 inches deep and away from the stem
Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely
Fertilize with an acid-loving plant fertilizer in spring
Avoid overfertilizing
Prune lightly in the first few years
Remove dead, weak, or crossing branches
Protect plants from birds with netting when berries ripen
Harvest berries when they are fully blue and come off easily
Maintain soil acidity over time
Control weeds around the plants
Protect roots from extreme heat or cold if needed