Knowledgebase
Blueberry spacing in raised beds #939381
Asked July 15, 2026, 1:48 PM EDT
Cuyahoga County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi Jeffrey !
Blueberries can be grown successfully in raised beds, especially raised beds at least 18–24 inches deep to allow for proper root growth. As you noted, soil pH also requires careful attention.
Generally, 3 foot spacing is considered the minimum, and even then, there will need to be careful attention to pruning and possibly a reduced yield. In addition to limiting growth, a major concern with close planting is disease, which occurs more readily with reduced space. Pruning carefully will help with the air flow. You have a good combination of varieties that should work well together in a raised bed. Be careful to plant Bluecrop to the northwest of the other two, so they are not shaded by it’s greater height.
Strawberries would be a good companion plant, and possibly cranberries as well.
Other, later producing varieties that may work well with these 3 include: Jersey, Elliott, Legacy and Aurora, with Jersey often the recommendation for the northern part of the state. Again, Jersey is tall and if you plant it, you must make sure your placement of the plant doesn't shade the shorter varieties. More varieties are listed in the OSU extension information attached below.
General information on blueberry gardening in the Midwest:
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-1422?hl=en-US#:
https://extension.umn.edu/gardening-minnesota/growing-blueberries-home-garden?hl=en-US#:
Best of luck to you in this blueberry venture !
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-1422?hl=en-US#: