Blueberries grow best when planted in early spring. These superfoods are easy to maintain and are packed with antioxidants. You'll need the right mix of nutrients for a healthy blueberry bush with delicious fruits. Luckily, these berries don’t require much fertilization, so you won’t need to buy a large bag.
In this article: Down to Earth All-Natural Acid Mix Fertilizer, Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Plant Food and Whitetail Institute Laboratory Soil Test Kit
Blueberry nutrient requirements
- Phosphorus: You’ll want a fertilizer with moderate phosphorous levels to support your blueberries’ root development and fruit production. Using a fertilizer with the right amount of phosphorus ensures your berries’ roots are healthy, letting them absorb more water and nutrients from the soil.
- Potassium: Blueberries require potassium-heavy fertilizers to aid in photosynthesis and overall plant health.
- Be careful with nitrogen: Blueberries don’t process nitrogen like other plants. Avoid nitrate fertilizers and those high in nitrogen. You can use organic granular fertilizers that slowly release nitrogen or those containing urea. However, it’s important to note that urea is a synthetic compound.
- Micronutrients: Blueberries require micronutrients including calcium, magnesium, sulfur and iron.
Soil pH
Blueberries grow best in relatively acidic soil. A soil pH between 4.2 and 5 is ideal for maximizing growth. You can use a pH testing kit or electronic pH tester if you’re unsure about your soil’s pH. If your soil is too alkaline, you’ll want to consider an acid-boosting fertilizer.
Organic fertilizer vs. chemical fertilizer
Organic fertilizers, such as compost and manure, are becoming increasingly popular for blueberry growth. These fertilizers release nutrients slowly and can improve the health of your soil. These are ideal for providing nitrogen slowly, so you won’t have to worry about the fertilizer damaging your roots. Still, some may not offer the immediate boost of potassium your plants need.
Chemical fertilizers generally have a more controlled concentration of nutrients, making them ideal for those looking to fine-tune their blueberries’ growth. However, these release nutrients quickly and can burn up your plant’s roots if they have too much nitrogen.
Blueberry fertilizer FAQ
Q. When should you fertilize blueberries?
A. Early spring. These plants grow best when you use small amounts of fertilizer in one to three applications depending on their size and age. Fertilize your bushes before their leaves are fully developed and again six weeks later. Some gardeners recommend fertilizing once more after your first harvest.
Q. How much sunlight do blueberries need?
A. Around six to eight hours daily. They tolerate some shade but don't need it unless it's particularly hot outside. Additionally, proper sunlight and watering habits will reduce their need for fertilizer.
Q. How often should you water your blueberries?
A. Blueberries need around 1 inch of water weekly. If you live in a particularly rainy area, you won't need to water your plants as often. Keep an eye on your area's weekly rainfall and avoid root rot by not overwatering your plants.
Q. How do you know if your blueberries aren't getting enough fertilizer?
A. Underfertilized blueberry bushes tend to have small leaves and reduced growth. If you're worried about your soil's nutrient content, there are affordable nutrient test kits.
Best blueberry fertilizers
Down to Earth All-Natural Acid Mix Fertilizer
This all-natural fertilizer is an excellent way to boost your soil's acidity. The box is compostable and recyclable. Many reviewers said it helped revive their dying blueberry bushes.
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Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Plant Food
This organic fertilizer releases nutrients slowly, ensuring they won't damage your blueberries' roots. It's an ideal solution for acid-loving plants, such as blueberries.
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Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier
This helps create the ideal pH level for blueberries. It comes with more than enough for several blueberry bushes.
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Espoma Organic Berry-Tone
This gives your blueberries a small instant dose of nutrients, followed by a slow release of nutrients over time. It contains bone meal, alfalfa meal and other natural ingredients.
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Other products to help you grow blueberries
Sonkir Soil pH Meter
This doesn't require batteries and provides fast, accurate results. It is user-friendly and can be used for indoor or outdoor gardening. It tests your plants' lighting conditions as well as the soil pH and moisture.
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Whitetail Institute Laboratory Soil Test Kit
With this kit, you'll collect a soil sample and send it to a lab for testing. It provides accurate results about your soil's pH and available nutrients. It's surprisingly affordable.
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Atree Soil pH Meter
This affordable meter is battery-free and easy to use. It can be used for an indoor or outdoor garden.
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FiveJoy Garden Tool Set
This comes with two trowels, a weeder, a cultivator, a hand rake, pruning shears, gardening rope, a handheld sprayer, gloves, pruning snips and a cloth tote. The tools are rust-resistant and the gloves are durable.
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KI Store Garden Kneeling Pad
This is made with extra-thick memory foam to keep your knees from getting sore while you tend to your blueberry bushes. It resists moisture and folds in half. The handles make it easy to pack around.
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Picnic at Ascot Garden Tools With Tote
This is made of a durable canvas that's ideal for outdoor use. It has pockets to keep your tools separated. The solid base prevents it from sagging when you carry it.
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Cody Stewart writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
