How to Transplant Blueberry Bushes

Overview

The best time to move blueberry bushes is in the dormant season from November to mid-March. Though you only need one type of blueberry bush to produce fruit, you can improve your harvest if you plant at least two varieties of blueberries. Once your blueberry bushes are established, you can expect to enjoy decades of sweet fruit. Easily transplant blueberry bushes from one location to another and enjoy sweet blueberries from your own backyard.

Step 1

Select a new planting site for your blueberry bushes that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sun daily. Your blueberries will also do better if they need not compete with other trees or plants for water and nutrients, so select a planting site that is somewhat isolated.

Step 2

Test the soil in the new planting site. Blueberries thrive in soil with pH levels between 4.0 and 5.0. You will likely need to reduce the pH of the soil as this level of acidity is not typically found in nature. Add 4 to 6 inches of acid peat moss and mix it into the first 8 inches of topsoil. You can also mix in 2 to 3 inches of organic compost to add nutrients to the soil.

Step 3

Dig around the base of the blueberry bushes to find the roots. Blueberry bushes have shallow root systems, so you will not have to dig too far to find them. Begin digging about 1 foot away from the bush and work your way in. Once you find the roots, dig a small trench around the perimeter of the bush at the edge of the roots.

Step 4

Angle your shovel up under the soil between the trench and the blueberry bush to gently lift the soil. Continue to work your way around the trench, loosening the roots from the soil. Your blueberry bush will eventually be loose enough so that it rocks in the soil. Continue cutting in under the roots until you can lift the bush straight up from the ground.

Step 5

Dig a hole in the new planting site that's similar to the depth of the site where you removed the blueberry bush. If you are transplanting more than one plant, place them 5 to 6 feet apart in rows. The rows should be between 8 and 10 feet apart.

Step 6

Water your newly transplanted blueberry bush thoroughly. Add a 3-inch layer of mulch made from wood chips, oak leaves, shredded bark or sawdust around the plants. These types of mulch help maintain soil acidity as well as help to retain moisture.

Step 7

Give your blueberry bushes at least 1-inch of water every week. Tap water increases the alkalinity of the soil's pH level, so save rainwater for your blueberry bushes if necessary.