Soil Mix

Blueberries prefer a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. 

Use a bark based planting media making sure that no lime or dolomite of any type has been added. 

Recommended Soil Mix/Media Recipes:                                                                    

With Perlite or Pumice:                

80% - Medium/Coarse Fir Bark*               

10% - Peat

10% - Perlite or Pumice

Without Perlite or Pumice           

85% - Medium/Coarse Fir Bark*

15% - Peat

*Pine Bark also acceptable - Avoid Cedar

Depending on availability and cost, other options for media mixes might be used.

Soil Mix/Media Guidelines

• No dolomite or lime in mix
• Must provide good drainage and yet be kept uniformly moist – not overly wet
• Irrigation scheduling – frequency and amount -  need to be adjusted according to changes in weather, stage of plant growth and root development

Fall Creek’s Suggestion Soil & Water Parameters                                  

Soil pH                                 

4.5 – 5.5

Water pH                            

5.5 – 6.5

Bicarbonate level            

100ppm or less

Acid Injection                   

Sulfuric Acid, Phosphoric Acid or Citric Acid to lower bicarbonate level

Fertility

Many growers use a slow release fertilizer as a top dress or incorporated into their bulk blended mix.

Multi-Cote Slow Release

Timed for region: 3, 6 or 8 month

Low rate incorporated per label per cubic yard; medium rate as a top dress

Saturated media extract (SME)                  Preferred soil testing method