How to Remediate Soil for Blueberries

Start blueberry soil amendment in late winter, as soon as the soil dries. The plants do best with early dormant plantings in cool, moist weather, and early amendment gives the soil time to settle before planting. Find sites with six to eight hours of full sun every day, quick year-round drainage, adequate air circulation and 4 to 6 feet of space.

Prepare 2- to 3-square-foot sites for the blueberry bushes to give them drainage and room for root growth. Dig into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil and mix it well to loosen it. Turn 2 inches of peat moss and 2 inches of sand or organic compost into the tilled soil. The organic matter adds natural acidic nutrition to the soil and retains moisture for healthy growth.

Turn elemental or granular sulfur into the soil for further acidification. Use 1 lb. of sulfur per 100 square feet of planting space, and turn the granules into the top 4 inches of soil. Water the site well to dissolve the sulfur.