"Jim Heater" wrote in message
...
Hi there, I'm new here, and I have a question. My wife bought a couple
of
blueberry bushes. We live in north central Indiana, we have clay soil.
What do we need to do to it to be able to raise blueberries? Any help
would
be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Jim

Buying the blueberry plants should be the last of thing one does when
deciding to raise blueberries. Preparing a suitable planting area the year
prior to purchase is a good choice.

First the soil pH should about 5.0 for high bush blueberries, which can be
attained by adding wettable sulfur at about two pounds in a 1000 sq. ft.
area in clay. This should be done around four months before planting because
it takes time for it to effectively lower the pH. Clay requires work before
blueberries will grow well. Incorporate sulfur, peat moss and sand in the
soil to improve tilt, drainage and pH. Blueberries like moisture but don't
like wet feet. Plan on the planting area to be elevated about 4" - 6". After
planting mulch is ideal for keeping the soil evenly moist.

I hope your wife checked to make sure the varieties she purchased are
suitable for your zone and that the plants were not the same variety because
two different varieties are necessary for good pollination and production.

Yes, I know that your wife already purchased the plants, which makes this
advice after the fact. I'd like to suggest that you pot the plants in five
gallon pots in a high humus soil that incorporates peat moss and hold them
until fall in a sunny area and plant them this fall after developing a
suitable planting area. Otherwise, I'd take them back to the nursery for a
refund.

I learned most of this after I inherited four plants from a former owner of
the house where I now live. In the process of learning, I killed two of
them, but the survivors are doing well. I'm stubborn, and in the past two
year I've purchased three more plants that are also doing well.

If all else fail, go to your local county extension office and asked for
information on growing blueberries in your area.

John