How do you grow blueberry plants?

To grow blueberries, plant young bushes in acidic soil, pinch off blossoms for the first two years and prune older plants in the winter. Plant several bushes to compensate for pruning, which reduces the crop for one season.

1. Plant the bushes

   Choose blueberry bushes that are 1 to 3 years old for faster production, as the bushes take six years to produce a full crop. Plant blueberry bushes in the spring, and choose an area that has acidic soil with a pH between 4 and 5. Place the plants 5 feet apart in holes that are 18 inches wide and 20 inches deep.

2. Water and fertilize

   Provide the plants with up to 2 inches of water each week. Do not fertilize when you plant, but add fertilizer a month later.

3. Pinch and prune

   Pinch off blossoms for the first two years after planting to encourage fuller growth. In late winter, prune plants that are at least four years old. Cut away branches that touch the ground and those that crowd the center. Prune only a few of your bushes each year because pruned blueberry plants do not produce the following season.

4. Harvest the fruit

   Blueberries mature in mid-summer. Pick the berries a couple of days after they turn blue and when they pull off easily.