Our soil has a pH around 7.6, and we have a healthy & productive garden. Also, we have a raspberry patch, that does well. However, the blueberry shrubs need soil pH between 5 and 6.5 to stay green and productive. I think we have 6 varieties, some are full size, one is half-high, and three are lowbush. Besides needing the right soil pH, blueberry shrubs are sensitive to drought. You can grow them at home, but they do take some fussing.

Jim: We need to know what your soil is like. Do you live in an area where soil pH is usually low? Normally pH is lower in areas with high rainfall than in areas with little rain.

There are a few varieties that tolerate higher pH. The ones I've read about are mostly southern highbush. These may not be suitable for your zone.

Give us a little more info and maybe someone can help.

The Fruitnut

Thanks ericwi and fruitnut

I live a little north of Pittsburgh Pa. We do get some dry spells but we usually get a decent amount of rain.

My soil is basically clay. I have worked compost in over the years but the natural soil is clay.

I'm not sure what the PH is but I doubt that it is low. My green beans and peas and tomatoes do very well in the soil.

Jim

Another factor to consider is the tap water that you might be using for irrigation. If your water has neutral pH, its a whole lot easier to keep the pH of the blueberry bed on the acidic side. Our tap water, here in Madison, Wisconsin, has considerable lime content, we are obliged to de-lime the coffeepot about once a month. I add 6 fluid ounces of white vinegar, from the grocery store, to every 4 gallons of tap water intended for the blueberry shrubs.

Here's the deal. You are in the humid region of the country- that is, east of the Miss. R. Soil in humid areas tend to be at least mildly acidic unless there is limestone in the soil mix. Also your water will not likely be excessively alkaline unless the lime is in the ground as well.

Contrary to the literature, blueberries can thrive in soil with a pH even above 7. I have seen the healthiest plants possibe growing in the mid 6's.

Your chief issue is the clay. Blueberries like light highly organic (lots of organic matter) soils. You may need to bring in some lighter soil and plant your blueberries high in it.

You can try mixing in compost and peat moss with your existing soil and planting on raised beds also (that's what I mean by "planting high"). The compost is more stable and will bring a longer lasting improvement to the soil than peat. The peat will help acidify the soil althoug sulfor is more affective long term.

It is supposed to be nearly impossible to improve clay with sand but for blueberries it is quite possible because you don't need much improved soil to provide for their shallow roots. It will still require at least a shovelful of sand for every shovel full of clay soil. Perlite can also work but gets crushed over time.

You can also grow them in large pots (25 gallon) and completely create a perfect mix with peat moss, sand and compost. Set them halfway into the ground and you won't have to water them nearly as much- you can never let that mix dry out.

However you grow them keep them well mulched.

Patriot does well in heavier soils, and before planting just amend soil to keep the PH low and your blueberries happy. Poor soil or PH does not always kill themÂ.but it may lower production or plant growth.

"Notes: 'Patriot' is better adapted to grow in clay soils than most blueberries"
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