How to Grow & Care for New Blueberry Plants

Dig a 4-inch wide and 1-foot deep hole in the ground under the blueberry plant at the end of the longest limb. Dig seven to 11 more holes in the same manner around the perimeter of the bush.

Gather all of the soil removed from the holes into a pile and add 1/4 cup of sulfur and 2 to 3 tbsp. of iron to acidify the soil. Mix the soil well and place it into each of the holes. Water the ground around the plant until it is moist but not soggy.

Water the blueberry bush every other day for approximately two weeks after planting. Afterward, reduce watering to only when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.

Spread a 4- to 6-inch thick layer of organic mulch around the base of the newly planted blueberry bush to help retain moisture in the soil. The mulch also will protect the new bush's delicate root system during the first winter.

Watch the blueberry bush carefully until flowers begin to form in the late spring. Pull off all of the flowers with your fingers during the first year of growth.

Fertilize newly planted blueberry bushes with 2 tbsp. of a granular 0-20-10 fertilizer in the early spring just after planting. Apply a second dose of fertilizer in the late spring.

Prune the blueberry bush lightly in the winter to remove all dead limbs and ones with very few or no leaves. Use pruning shears to cut off the branches 1/2 inch from the ground. In addition, prune off any lower branches that are growing outward horizontally instead of upward.