Planting Tips for Michigan Blueberry Growers

Choose a Suitable Site

• Local climate must be taken into consideration, as parts of Michigan are too cold for highbush blueberries. Blueberries require a growing season of 160 days and winter temperatures that stay above -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid low-lying areas surrounded by forest that are prone to late spring frosts.

Prepare the Soil

• Blueberry plants are picky, having extremely specific soil requirements. Increase the amount of organic matter in the soil by incorporating peat, bark or straw. Choose a site with well-drained soils and a water table 14 to 22 inches below the soil surface. Plants require an acidic soil and perform best when the soil pH falls between 4.5 and 5.0. Test the soil to ensure the pH is suitable, and amend the soil as necessary. Treat soils with a pH below for with dolomitic limestone; amend soils with a high pH by adding sulfur.

Choose Suitable Varieties

• Different varieties have traits that make them more or less desirable in different situations. Varieties like Northland, Patriot and Blueray are tolerant of cold weather. Blueray, Spartan and Bluecrop are best as pick-your-own berries while Bluecrop, Jersey and Rubel are suitable for mechanical harvesting. Varieties produce berries at different times, so plant multiple varieties to extend the harvest season.

Choosing Plants

• Purchase plants from reputable growers or nurseries that have a state certification of inspection. High-quality, disease-free plants will perform best. Choose the age and size of the plants to purchase by determining budget and time constraints.

Plan For Pollination

• Blueberries require bees to produce fruit. Native bees are usually sufficient for individual plants, but large commercial growers will benefit from introducing honeybee hives to plantings. If conditions during bloom are cool and rainy, bees may not effectively pollinate the plants. Gibberellic acid can be sprayed to induce fruit-set.

Weed Control

• Do not apply herbicides to newly planted blueberry fields during the first year of growth -- this will harm plants. Only cultivate weeds 1 to 2 inches deep. Control weeds prior to planting with non-residual herbicides or grow certain cover crops such as rye on the field for a year or two before planting the blueberries.

Setting Plants

• Plant the blueberry seedlings or saplings in fall or spring as soon as soil is workable. Space rows as necessary to accommodate equipment. Space plants 4 to 6 feet apart, depending on soil fertility. Set plants 1 to 2 inches deeper than they were in the nursery. If the soil is especially sandy, the blueberry plants will benefit and become established faster if a shovel of acid peat is added to each plant hole.

Fertilization

• About one month after planting, fertilize each plant with about 1 oz. of 20-0-10-5 or similar fertilizer. Sprinkle the fertilizer within 12 to 18 inches of the plant, avoiding the stem and leaves.