"Dick Adams" wrote in message
...
Steve Peek wrote:

Ph for highbush should be 4.5-5, rabbiteye 4.8-5.3.
Anything over 5.5 is too basic. The plants may survive
but they will not thrive.

My 2012 garden plan calls for three Blueberry bushes
planted in a row as female-male-female. They will be
late season bloomers.

My question is "If the pH of my soil is higher than 5.5,
what can I do so that Blueberry bushes survive and thrive?

Dick

First of all, there are no male/female blueberries (genus Vaccinium). Ph can
be corrected in several ways. Chemically, aluminum sulphate can be worked
into the soil. Organically, elemental sulphur and/or double ground pine bark
and/or sphagnum peat are worked in to the desired Ph. Organically is better
in that the plants require a large amount of organic matter in the soil.
Blueberry plants are very shallow rooted, therefore mulch is required as
well as regular rain or watering. All bloom buds should be removed the first
two years so the plant becomes well established.

1) Get a soil test and request suggestions for growing blueberry.
2) Talk with the county ag agent about varieties suitable for your area.
If rabbiteye (V. asheii) are suggested, go with them. Production is much
higher.
3) Prep the soil (if you have heavy clay, forget blueberry or use the
Florida method of growing in a raised bed of pine bark or peat).
4) Order plant for fall planting from a reputable blueberry nursery.
5) Plant them at the same depth they grew at the nursery. Prune well
removing all fruit buds (the round, fat ones). Mulch and water well.