- Blueberries bushes cross pollinate to grow fruit. This means that the pollinating insects must be able to easily travel back and forth between bushes. It is for this reason that a purchase of a single bush to plant will most certainly not get good results, as will planting two or more bushes far away from each other.
- Consider the soil and sunlight requirements of your blueberry plants when planning their location. They grow best in full sun, and prefer moist, acidic soil. Since you can modify the pH of your soil with additives like coffee grounds, prioritize a planting location based on how many hours of sunlight it receives each day. The soil in a sun-filled location can be improved with mulch, compost and regular watering, and should be amended to suit the needs of the blueberry bushes before they are planted.
- Soil that is too wet will suffocate the roots of blueberry bushes. Ideally the water level of the soil should be at least 1 foot below the surface of the ground. Prepare a raised planting area if you have any concerns about the drainage quality of your soil.
- Although blueberry bushes will tolerate some crowding, they should have sufficient space between them to allow for optimal growth. Consult the nursery staff or plant literature that came with your purchase to determine how big your bushes will get. If you have no size estimate available, a distance of 5 to 6 feet between bushes should be sufficient space while still maintaining the close proximity required for cross pollination.
- Birds love blueberries. If you plan to plant enough bushes to produce leftover fruit, the snacking, feathered visitors won't be a problem. However if you do not have the space for a mini-orchard, instead arrange your bushes near a structure on which you can anchor some bird netting to protect your harvest.
- Ensure that your blueberry bushes are not too closed in. Good air movement around and between the bushes is required to guard against disease and spring frost injury to blossoms.
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