Q.Struggling With Blueberry Soil Ph Level
Hello all, Having difficulty pushing my soil ph down for my blueberry patch. I’m wondering if I should be adding more of the soil acidifier to go a bit more extreme or not? Since I’ve been adding peat moss each year to the area, I’m wondering if I should add in some sand to help keep the soil draining well also. (not experiencing any lasting ponding of water after watering or anything) I have 5 high bush blueberries of a couple different types in an area about 30 sq feet. They get full sun all day. The area is now about 5 years old and I am still struggling with getting the ph down to anywhere close to 5. I did not drive down the ph level when I put the bed in originally, due to lack of time. Each year I have been adding peat moss, elemental sulfur and acidic fert when I feed them and lightly work it in. I do not add any manure of any kind. Over the past 3 years I’ve been testing the ph and it is not going any lower then about 6. The first two years all the plants were doing well. I did not go the route of foregoing fruiting for them, even though perhaps I should have. The third year I lost one of the plants for some reason. It might have been due to frost. All other bushes were fine. Each year I’ve been getting less and less growth and less fruiting. Even though I’ve been trying to push the ph level down. This year, I’m deciding to try and get a handle on things. The growth is way down and the fruiting is as well. Although, so far, what little fruiting there is, they are good sized. No noticeable problems with the plants in relation to leave color or distress or anything. I did a little pruning the first two years, but since then, not really. And any new growth on the bushes are at the base or sporadic throughout the plant. (This year I plan on pruning them all again.) Had been raining for a few days now, so can’t get any decent pictures up. I’ll try to get some for support.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
I could recommend using superphosphoric acid to lower the pH to suitable ranges. To use superphosphoric acid to lower pH for blueberries, you will first need to dilute the acid with water. Start by adding a small amount of superphosphoric acid to a container of water and mix it well. Test the pH of the diluted solution using a pH meter or test strips. Gradually add more acid or water as needed to achieve the desired pH level for blueberries, which is typically between 4.5 and 5.5. Once you have reached the desired pH, you can apply the diluted superphosphoric acid solution to the soil around the blueberry plants. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take necessary safety precautions when handling and applying the acid.
There are several other ways, as well. This article will go over some of these ways:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/blueberries/lower-soil-ph-blueberries.htm
This collection of articles will give you more information on Blueberries:
