How to Acidify Soil for Blueberries
- 1). Test pH according to directions in your soil testing kit for water pH value. Blueberry plants thrive in acidic soils with a pH of 4.0 to 5.5.
- 2). Add sulfur if the pH is above 7.0 in the following quantities per 100 square feet of soil: If soil is light and sandy, add 3/4 lbs.; if soil is a medium, sandy loam texture, add 1 1/2 lbs.; if soil is a heavy, clay loam add 2 1/4 lbs. Till sulfur applications into the soil immediately. Recheck soil pH levels 60 to 90 days later before planting.
- 3). Hoe planting area to loosen soil 1 foot deep if pH levels are 5.5 to 7.0. Remove at least 1/3 of the soil. Replace the soil with an equal amount of pre-moistened peat moss. Combine the peat moss and remaining soil. Recheck soil pH levels 60 to 90 days later before planting.
- 4). Top dress blueberry plants with compost at planting time to buffer soil pH. Then mulch with 2 to 4 inches of sawdust, peat moss or pine bark as a slow-release soil acidifier.