How to Maximize Blueberry Production

Plant blueberry bushes in an area that receives full sun. Blueberries will tolerate up to 50 percent shade during the day, but full sun plants grow stronger. Test the soil in the selected area. Soil testing kits are available at most big box, hardware or home improvement stores. Purchase a kit that tests for pH and organic matter (OM). Blueberries grow best in soil containing a pH balance of 4.8. If the pH number reads high, add 2 1/2 cups of wettable sulfer for 100 square feet to lower the pH by 1 unit, according to Charles M. Mainland and William O. Cline, authors of "Growing Blueberries in the Home Garden." Clay-like soil requires 5 cups.

Test the soil for organic matter composition. Organic matter includes carbon compounds created from once-living organisms. Peat moss, wood chips, grass clippings or manure provide low-cost organic matter options. Add an organic matter such as peat moss to soil measuring less than 2 percent OM. Mix the peat moss at least 6 inches into the ground using a roto-tiller.

Choose a high yielding blueberry plant. Blueberry plants that produce well over 3 pounds of fruit include the NorthCountry, Northblue, Chippewa, Northsky, St. Cloud and Polaris varieties. Plant blueberries in late spring for strong root growth.

Apply 3 inches of pine or fur needle mulch, spreading 2 feet out around the base of the plant the first year. Apply 6 inches of mulch around the crown after the first year.

Fertilize blueberries the first year using a liquid rhododendron fertilizer. Fertilize blueberries using ammonium sulfate at a 21-0-0 mixture after plants are established. During the first budding on the second year after blueberries are planted, apply 4 ounces of ammonium sulfate to the soil. Increase the amount by 1 ounce each year after until you reach 6 ounces. Continue the 6 ounce regimen thereafter.

Protect blueberry plants from birds. Birds enjoy blueberries just like us. A simple tent-like structure made with wood or PVC pipe will hold bird netting around blueberry plants.

Prune the blueberry plant starting with the third year of growth using a sharp sterilized pruning shear. Remove canes that are less than a 1 foot from the ground or damaged and diseased. Cut off small lateral shoots that appear on older canes. Avoid overcrowding of canes on the blueberry plant. The plant requires strong air circulation and sun penetration throughout the entire plant for optimal growth and production.