Blueberry Planting Procedure

I've found blueberries trouble-free and vigorous as long as four steps are followed.

1.  Dig out a two foot wide, one foot deep hole, replace half the soil with peat, then plant the blueberry

This gives blueberries the acid soil they need.

2.  Mulch with at least four inches of organic material, pine needles are ideal.

This keeps the roots from overheating.  Many sources say not to use cedar or redwood bark or chips, though I've used sequoia needles with no apparent problems.

3.  Water often with a drip irrigation system.

Oregon's summers are too dry without supplemental irrigation, up to three times a week when it's hottest.

4.  Add a small amount of acid fertilizer twice a year, and prune once a year in winter.