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Planting blueberry bushes #870842

Asked May 30, 2024, 6:04 PM EDT

Hello, we purchased blueberry bushes this spring. Last fall, in anticipation of planting blueberry bushes we ammended the soil with soil acidifier. After administering in early spring a rapitest for the ph level, the results were a ph level of 6. We added more soil acidifier and waited a month or so and tested again. The results were the same ph level of 6. We're unsure how to proceed. Do we add more acidifier, wait a bit and then plant? Or do we plant now and give the acidifier time to work with the bushes in the ground? How long does it take for the ph level to change with using the acidifier? Is there a different product we should use to change the ph level? Is the rapitest reliable? I thank you in advance for your assistance to these many questions! I so appreciate having this resource!!

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

I would recommend a professional soil test be done. This can be done through the University of MN. The link below explains the process and cost. The report you get will give both the soil results and specific information on how much amendment is needed. https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden You do not mention what type of soil acidifier you used. Water soluble acidifier temporarily drops the pH and need to be applied constantely. Elemental sulfur is preferred and will long term keep the pH level more static. It does take some time for elemental sulfur to decrease pH. If you want to plant this year you can create a temporary top layer of lower pH planting medium. Below is a link to growing blueberries. It gives details on how to create this medium. 
https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-blueberries-home-garden#:~:text=Blueberry%20plants%20require%20acidic%20soil,of%20the%20plant%20is%20slowed.

Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied June 04, 2024, 10:42 PM EDT

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