A soil test should be conducted to determine pH and nutrients levels. Usually powdered sulfur must be added to lower the pH to a level within the acceptable range. Once soil pH has been determined for a particular site and sulfur has been added, 2-6 months are necessary to lower the pH to the desired range. Thus, the latest that sulfur can be added is the fall before spring planting. The amount of sulfur depends on the soil type and pH. Contrary to popular opinion, wet sites are not considered optimal for blueberries.
Ideal sites are well drained and high in organic matter.
Planting Virus-free plants should be obtained from a certified nursery. Each plant may have a single cane, or it may have several canes growing from the crown. Organic matter is increased by mixing 1 gallon of peat moss in each planting hole. Plants are set in the spring ideally before bud break, and a mulch of sawdust, salt hay, woodchips, oak leaf compost or clean straw is placed around each plant to increase organic matter as it slowly decomposes. Mulch also maintains soil moisture and decreases weed competition.