When to plant Blueberry?

Blueberries thrive in full sun or partial shade, though you'll get heavier crops with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The single most important requirement is acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. If your garden soil is neutral or alkaline, grow blueberries in large containers filled with ericaceous (acid) compost, or prepare dedicated beds by incorporating generous amounts of peat or composted pine bark. Sandy or peat-based soils are ideal; avoid heavy clay unless you improve drainage significantly. Plant bare-root or container-grown blueberries in March, April, October, or November. Autumn planting allows roots to establish before spring growth, but spring planting works well if you keep plants well watered through their first summer. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth—blueberries have shallow, fibrous roots and should not be planted too deep. Space plants 120 cm apart; if planting multiple bushes, consider at least two different varieties to improve pollination and fruit set, even though most modern cultivars are self-fertile. Before planting, soak bare roots in water for an hour. Position the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil surface. Backfill with the excavated soil mixed with ericaceous compost or peat. Firm gently and water thoroughly. Apply a 5–8 cm mulch of pine bark, wood chips, or composted conifer needles around the base, keeping it clear of the stem. This mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and slowly acidifies the soil as it breaks down. Water again after a few days if conditions are dry.