Blueberry Soil: What Should Be Considered?
Blueberries (also called blueberries) have special demands on the soil in which they grow. We’ll show you what’s so special about the blueberry.
Blueberries ( Vaccinium ) are interesting berry bushes in many ways, the blue fruits of which score points both visually and in terms of taste. Although the wild blueberries ( Vaccinium myrtillus ) native to this area are particularly tasty, only American blueberries ( Vaccinium corymbosum ) are used for commercial cultivation and gardening. Just like the wild blueberries, the high-yielding cultivated blueberries also place special conditions on the soil that you should take into account when growing.
Blueberries soil
As a shrub that is naturally widespread in bog and forest landscapes, the blueberry is used to acidic soils that are often not found in gardens. Especially loamy and calcareous soils are unsuitable for growing blueberry bushes, which is why the pH value should be measured before planting. Ideally, this is 4.0 to 5.0 – a value that most other cultivated plants cannot cope with. The solution is to dig a planting hole with a depth of 60 cm and a width of 1 m, which is filled with suitable soil after the bush has been planted. Alternatively, you can of course keep blueberries in the pot, as this prevents them from exchanging with calcareous soil.
Which soil to use for blueberries?
You should choose suitable soil as a substrate for a newly dug planting hole or use it in a pot. Normal potting soil is not suitable due to the higher pH value. The use of rhododendron or azalea soil has therefore established itself for planting blueberry bushes.
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With their low pH value, it creates optimal conditions for blueberries, which are similar to the conditions in nature. In addition to using the purchased soil, it is advisable to incorporate coniferous litter, leaves, pieces of bark, and lawn cuttings as long-term fertilizers that at the same time ensure an acidic environment in the soil.
Buy blueberry soil
When buying the right soil, you should definitely pay attention to the pH value. Basically, you can’t go wrong with rhododendron and azalea soil, and hydrangea soil is also suitable for heather plants such as blueberries. In the interests of the environment, we recommend that you choose a peat-free soil so as not to support the extraction of drained bogs. By using the right soil and incorporating organic material into the planting pit, it is possible to completely avoid the use of additional peat.
Summary: The perfect blueberry soil
- Rhododendron, azalea, or hydrangea soil
- Low pH (ideally 4.0 – 5.0)
- Peat-free products are the most environmentally friendly
If you want to know more about the successful cultivation of blueberries, then take a look at our article with the 10 best tips for growing blueberries.
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