How to Plant Blueberry Bushes in Oregon
- 1). Choose a location for your blueberry bushes. Full sun will yield the most fruit, but you can plant in a location that receives up to 50 percent shade. Allow 4 to 5 feet of space between bushes in a row and 8 to 10 feet of space between rows.
- 2). Test your soil and allow time for acidification. A pH between 4.5 and 5.5 is ideal for blueberry plants, and most soils will need acidification. Add finely ground elemental sulfur to your soil 3 to 4 months prior to planting, and re-test to make sure it is the proper pH.
Soil also needs to drain well. Adding organic matter such as peat moss, bark or pine sawdust before planting will increase aeration and improve drainage. - 3). Purchase your blueberry bushes from a reputable nursery. The most common blueberry bush is the northern highbush variety, but any variety will do. Look for the healthiest bushes and make sure they are at least 2 years old.
- 4). Place your bushes near your planting location and remember to allow 4 to 5 feet of space between bushes in a row and 8 to 10 feet of space between rows. Be sure to keep the roots constantly moist during the transplant process.
- 5). Dig holes as deep and as large as the nursery containers. You will smother the bushes if you dig too deep, so be sure that the soil is level when you plant your bushes.
- 6). Plant your bushes and pack the soil.
- 7). Water thoroughly.
- 8). Prune the branches back 30 percent to 40 percent. Little pruning will be needed the second year, and it encourages new growth.
- 9). Remove buds. Do not allow the bushes to fruit during the first two years. It will hinder growth and it is very important to first establish healthy blueberry bushes. Patience will pay off, and the bushes will be ready to fruit two years after planting.
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