Use and Care Manual

PLANTING CARE:
Blueberries require acid soil (pH 4.5-5.5). If you are in doubt about the acidity of your soil, take a sample
to the Cooperative Extension Agent in your county for testing. Blueberries will not grow in soil with a pH
above 5.5. Adjust soil acidity as necessary with powdered sulfur and iron sulfate. DO NOT USE
ALUMINUM SULFATE, as this material is toxic to blueberries. In the area you plant your blueberries, it is
advisable to till in some form of acidic organic matter, like ground rotted pine bark or oak leaves.
Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Keep an area approximately 4 feet in diameter around
the bush clear of grass and weeds to minimize competition for water and nutrients. Mulch in spring and
fall with approximately 4-6 inches of acid mulch (pine bark, oak leaves). Pull mulch a couple of inches
away from the trunk for good air circulation. Do NOT mulch with mushroom compost.
Routine pruning of blueberries is unnecessary until plants are 3 years old. During this time, remove
dead, damaged or diseased limbs. Cut any leggy growth so the plant will bush up. Make all cuts flush
with the limb or the next largest branch. Do not leave stubs. For established rabbiteye blueberries,
approximately one quarter of the oldest canes are pruned each year to encourage cane renewal. Three
to four year-old canes have maximum fruit production, declining with age. Blueberries can be lightly
topped right after fruit harvest to hold down the height of the plant. All heavy thinning cuts should be
made in the dormant season.