How to Grow Blueberries in Clay Soil
- 1). Calculate for organic matter and sand. Measure the area where you will plant your blueberry plants. Multiply the length of one side by the width of the other side to find the size of your planting area in square feet. Take the square footage and multiple that number by four. This number represents how much organic matter and sand you will need for a four-inch thick layer of each material. Purchase the amount in both coarse sand and coarse organic materials.
- 2). Dump the organic matter on top of the soil. Spread out the organic matter until it is covering all of the soil. It will be about four inches thick. Using a garden tiller or rake mix the organic matter into the top six inches of the alkaline soil.
- 3). Dump the sand on the soil mixture. Mix the sand into the soil mixture using the same process as you did for the organic matter.
- 4). Test the soil. Use a soil pH testing kit to find the pH level of the soil. The pH level needs to be between 4.09 and 5.0 to grow blueberries. If you find your soil is still too alkaline, you will need to add more organic matter to the soil.
- 5). Plant your blueberry bushes. Wait until the soil is acidic enough before planting your blueberry bushes.
- 6). Keep checking the pH. The pH level of the soil will change with time. Check the pH level once a month to make sure the pH stays between 4.09 and 5.0. Add more organic matter whenever the levels rise above 5.0.
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