When it comes to picking the perfect spot for your blueberries, you first need to know which variety you’re dealing with: cultivated blueberries or wild blueberries. One thrives in full sun, while the other prefers the cozy shade of the woods. Let’s dive into how to give your berries the best home possible.
Full Sun and a Little Shelter is Key
Wild blueberries are naturally at home in the dappled light of boggy forests, so they do best in partial shade. However, the cultivated blueberries we usually plant in our backyards (which originally hail from North America) are total sun-worshippers. For a big harvest, pick a spot that gets plenty of direct sunlight but is tucked away from harsh winds. Just a heads-up: give them some elbow room! Blueberries have shallow root systems that spread out wide rather than digging deep into the earth.
The Dirt on Soil Requirements
Just like their wild cousins, cultivated blueberries are “acid-loving” plants. They need acidic soil to really thrive. One thing they absolutely hate is lime, so you’ll want to steer clear of any lime-heavy fertilizers or hard tap water. Your best bet is to water them with plain old rainwater. When it’s time to fertilize your blueberries, stick to natural, organic materials that help maintain that acidity, such as:
- Chopped pine or spruce needles
- Pine bark mulch
- Sawdust from untreated wood
