Do Blueberry Bushes Make A Good Hedge For Landscaping? How Far Apart Should They Be Planted?

Question

The leach field for our septic system is under the front lawn. It is marked by a pipe sticking out of the ground. The contractor suggested planting shrubs to hide it. A short hedge would work well in that area, was thinking that blueberries might be a good idea.

Answer 1

In this case, near a leech field, I would not recommend it. You don't want to consume anything that grows near one, since the roots have a chance to contact some pretty nasty bacteria. Even a small chance should be avoided. Besides that, blueberries have such specific soil needs that they will probably not do well unless you amend the soil, constantly, in their favor.

I would recommend something that it easy care and something that you will not consume.

Here are some articles that will offer some suggestions:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-5/zone-5-privacy-hedges.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-5/flowering-shrubs-for-zone-5.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-5/planting-zone-5-shrubs.htm

I highly discourage planting something that you intend to consume in this area, but should you still choose to attempt blueberries, these articles will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/blueberries/growing-blueberry.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/blueberries/lower-soil-ph-blueberries.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/blueberries/blueberry-fertilizer.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/blueberries/blueberry-plant-pruning.htm