Blueberry Plants and PH Level

[poohbear]

I planted blueberries this past spring. I was just checking the PH level and it is just over 7 which is way too high for the blueberries. What is the best thing to do to lower that PH? I have read several things. Do any of you have any experience in this?

Thank you!

[Pharmer Phil]

Poohbear, I love blueberries, Laura...does not!
I started blueberries at one time, and did everything WRONG!
They are in a class, the same as rhododendrons. and require a very acidic soil ph. A pH of 4.0 – 5.0, to be exact.
First I want to stress that your planting site should be well drained, this is very important, and will keep your ph range intact. Secondly, not only is a ph test advisable now, but quite often throughout the season, Your water often contains calcium and magnesium, which may cause soil pH to creep upwards
There is not a thing you can do for this season, but you can prepare for next!
Now , forgive me, but I can't remember what your gardening preference is, so I will tell you both methods, organic, and chemical.
Sulphur can be added in small amounts to the soil; However, sulphur if overused, can affect your soils micro-organisms, Mix in 1.2 oz of ground rock sulphur per square yard if the soil is sandy. Mix in 3.6 oz per square yard for all other soils. The sulphur should be thoroughly mixed into the soil before planting. Sawdust, composted leaves, wood chips, cottonseed meal, leaf mold and especially peat moss, will lower the soil pH.
5 to 10 gallons of peat moss per blueberry plant will do the trick also.
blueberries grown in high organic matter soils will perform well at a pH as high as 6.0 with few problems. As a result, additional sulfur (or lime, for that matter) seldom is needed. Vinegar or citric acid solutions may also be applied through drip lines to provide acidity.
all i all, this is a fine metod, blueberries grown organically have been cited as being bigger, juicier, and will fetch the BIG BUCKS, at the market.

For the 'chemically inclined': At planting,
add 3 ounces of ammonium sulfate and ¼ pound of cottonseed meal for each plant. Also include rotted leaf mold or peat moss to help lower the pH.
Approximately 8 weeks after planting apply 1 – 2 ounces of ammonium sulfate around the drip line of the plant. Do not over fertilizer as this may burn the plant. Continue to add 2 ounces of fertilizer at blossom time and 2 ounces one month later during subsequent years. Use a complete fertilizer (10-10-10),Do not apply fertilizer in the late summer or early fall. This may make the plants susceptible to winter damage.

Keep in mind that whichever method you choose must be done now for the ph level to be lowered before next years crop.

[Laura]

It's not that I dont like Blueberries..they DONT like me..

[poohbear]

Phil...thank you for all that info. Now I have another question? If the plants are already in the ground, I read that it is best not to dig things into the soil due to their fragile roots...when I planted I planted with something for the acidity (don't ask me what because I can't remember)....but I didn't do the peat moss...is it too late to do that? I have the sulfur and so I will definately do that....it shows on the box to add it in a circle around the plant. I am trying my best to grow everything organically. I have soooooooo much to learn. I am sorry for all the dumb questions I keep asking!

Laura, it is too bad those blueberries don't like you....they are my favorite! Hopefully I can get them to grow!

[Pharmer Phil]

At such a young age, the root system has not reached out as much as older plants. Blueberry root systems are not extensive, in fact, when applying fertilizers,etc. they should be placed within the plants drip line, which is even with the outer edges of your plnats crown. I would work peat into the top 2 inches of the soil, and in a circle around the plant about 4 inches past this drip line.
Getting them growing is the easy part...unfortunately, blueberries are plagued by many insects, molds and diseases

[poohbear]

Thanks Phil....you are quite the You know everything.... Those insects, molds and diseases better stay away from my blueberry plants or I will be
Thanks again! I will take care of that today! Have a great day!

[Pharmer Phil]

Gosh...don't know ifin I know everything....But, at least it's the kind of knowledge that reaps the best rewards, Helping others