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Home Ask MG What are the best conditions for transplanting blueberry bushes?

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What are the best conditions for transplanting blueberry bushes?

July 30, 2011   •   

We purchased a home that has a yard with two blueberry bushes. The blueberry bushes are in a sun location, isolated from each other and surrounded by our lawn. They are approximately three feet high. Can we transplant these bushes? If so, would they prefer sun or shade, dry soil or compost-rich soil? Also, when is a good time to perform the transplant?

Blueberry plants prefer a moist, rich, acidic soil. The ideal soil should be evenly moist, but not constantly wet or subject to flooding. The soil should be amended with sphagnum peat, compost or other organic matter. The ideal soil pH for blueberries is 4.5 to 6.0. Most of our native soils are much higher than this and will require the addition of sulfur, iron sulfate or aluminum sulfate to lower the pH. A soil test would be helpful to determine the amount of sulfur needed. Transplanting blueberry bushes is best done in early spring before growth begins. The best fruit production is achieved when 2 different varieties are planted close enough for cross-pollination. The plants should be no more than 10 feet apart. Blueberries prefer full sun.

Filed Under: Ask MG Tagged With: acidic, blueberry, rich, soil, transplanting

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