Fertilizing new blueberries - Ask Extension
I live in Albany and recently planted a couple of new blueberry bushes. Reading online, one of the recommended fertilizers is Miracle Gro Azalea, Cam...
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Fertilizing new blueberries #784489
Asked March 19, 2022, 5:19 PM EDT
I live in Albany and recently planted a couple of new blueberry bushes. Reading online, one of the recommended fertilizers is Miracle Gro Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron plant food. I prefer water soluble over granular. My question is, the label says to use every 7-14 days, but I read that you only need to fertilize blueberries a couple times yearly. Which should I go by? Is there a better chance water soluble fertilizer choice?
Benton County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Mark,
Depending on what you put in the hole when you planted the blueberries, you do not need to fertilize weekly.
When planting, I suggest adding composted manure and elemental sulfur (powder form - follow the instructions). This will lower the pH of the soil. Blueberries like between 4.5 - 5.5 pH or very acidic soil. You can also add peat moss to the soil mix.
If you did not do that add it to the top of the soil and water in well. Then put sawdust around the plant as a mulch, leaving a 5 inch circle from the base of the bush out so the voles do not have cover to come in and eat the bark.
You can use a fish or kelp emulsion at 1/2 strength - follow the directions and mix with water for fertilizing. Add it to the weekly watering. Too much fertilizer is not any better than not enough.
Blueberries are hardy and grow beautifully in this area. Watering is one of the most important aspects for new plant success. Soil should easily drain excess water as well. Check soil weekly through spring, summer and fall. Adequate but not over watering will increase the success of a healthy plant.
Here is a link to growing blueberries - it is quite long but if you scroll down you will find planting information: https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/ec1304/html
I do not use any type of synthetic fertilizer on plants. They tend to burn and then wash out. Organic (look for OMRI on the package) works slowly but will not burn and gives the plants nutrients made from other plants/animals.
If you have further questions, please contact us again.
Depending on what you put in the hole when you planted the blueberries, you do not need to fertilize weekly.
When planting, I suggest adding composted manure and elemental sulfur (powder form - follow the instructions). This will lower the pH of the soil. Blueberries like between 4.5 - 5.5 pH or very acidic soil. You can also add peat moss to the soil mix.
If you did not do that add it to the top of the soil and water in well. Then put sawdust around the plant as a mulch, leaving a 5 inch circle from the base of the bush out so the voles do not have cover to come in and eat the bark.
You can use a fish or kelp emulsion at 1/2 strength - follow the directions and mix with water for fertilizing. Add it to the weekly watering. Too much fertilizer is not any better than not enough.
Blueberries are hardy and grow beautifully in this area. Watering is one of the most important aspects for new plant success. Soil should easily drain excess water as well. Check soil weekly through spring, summer and fall. Adequate but not over watering will increase the success of a healthy plant.
Here is a link to growing blueberries - it is quite long but if you scroll down you will find planting information: https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/ec1304/html
I do not use any type of synthetic fertilizer on plants. They tend to burn and then wash out. Organic (look for OMRI on the package) works slowly but will not burn and gives the plants nutrients made from other plants/animals.
If you have further questions, please contact us again.
I used G&B Organic Acid planting mix, then put weed guard down and topped that with several inches of Scott’s Earthgrow mulch. Once the rains stop and it starts warming up, I’ll use the timer to water once or twice a week. Sound good? Any suggestions on the fertilizer? Like I mentioned earlier, I prefer a water soluble or liquid type.
Hi Mark,
We don't give out brand names but the local gardens have liquid fish and kelp or seaweed fertilizers. Just mix with water and pour around the plants. These are all purpose with plenty of micro-nutrients in them as well as the NPK macros.
These can also be used to spray on the leaves but I find, because of the odor that the fluid not only gets to the roots faster but also is less smelly faster if you pour around the plants.
Sounds like you will have things under control with timers.
We don't give out brand names but the local gardens have liquid fish and kelp or seaweed fertilizers. Just mix with water and pour around the plants. These are all purpose with plenty of micro-nutrients in them as well as the NPK macros.
These can also be used to spray on the leaves but I find, because of the odor that the fluid not only gets to the roots faster but also is less smelly faster if you pour around the plants.
Sounds like you will have things under control with timers.
And only fertilize a couple times per year?
Sent from my iPad
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 21, 2022, at 8:00 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Healthy plants, planted with peat moss and composted manure should only need 1 to 2 applications a year of liquid fertilizer. It will perk up plants quickly if you see an issue. Fertilize in the fall with sulfur and compost, add sawdust as a mulch. Fertilize in the spring with compost. Add sawdust if needed. Sulfur only once a year. Check your pH now to see if soil is acidic. Sulfur takes time, don't add more, wait a month and test again if it is not acidic enough. Liquid fertilizer is absorbed quickly. Fertilize before bloom and after harvest. That should be all you need. If you feel something is wrong contact us again and send pictures. However your plants will probably have a great season as you are being very careful with them.
