Garden Variety: How to grow blueberries in Kansas

Blueberries are in season right now, meaning they taste better, are more affordable, and on a lucky day you might find some at a local farmers market.

With all the tasty (and good for you) fruit at your fingertips, you might be wondering if you can grow your own or at least think it is worth a try. You can grow your own blueberries in Kansas, but preparation before planting and continued care is a must for success.

The biggest challenges to growing blueberries are their unique soil preferences. First, they need very acidic soil, with a pH of 4.5 to 5.0. Acidic soil is uncommon in Kansas (except in production fields that are continually amended), and planting in high pH soils will result in poor plant growth and limited, if any, production. Determine soil pH prior to planting by submitting samples to a soil-testing laboratory or by using a kit from a garden center.

Soil pH can be lowered by adding sulfur and/or sphagnum peat moss. Sulfur is acceptable for gardeners who wish to be organic, as it is a natural, elemental product. There is some controversy over the sustainability and production practices of sphagnum peat moss, although it too is a natural product. Gardeners who are interested in using sphagnum peat moss may wish to research both sides of the issue before making a decision.

The amounts of sulfur and sphagnum peat moss needed will depend on the initial pH of the soil and which product is being used. The pH may also take months to change, depending on temperature, rainfall, organic matter content, etc. Planning ahead and re-testing the soil prior to planting can help ensure the pH is where it is needed.

Blueberries also need good drainage and high amounts of organic matter (3 percent minimum). Compost can remedy both of these, although again the organic matter content should be determined with a soil test first. Sandy soils, although well-drained, need the compost to provide and hold nutrients. Clay soils need the compost to create air space.

Large containers or raised beds may be a more practical solution than fixing pH or drainage problem. If using large containers, get the biggest ones you can find. Blueberry bushes are 5 feet tall or more at maturity and need a container that can hold a root system adequate to support that top.

Once the soil pH and organic matter challenges are met, you can start shopping for plants. Highbush blueberries are the type recommended for this area, and there are many suitable varieties. Pick at least two plants, preferably two different varieties, so they can cross-pollinate.

A single plant or cultivar will probably produce fruit on its own, but blueberries are larger and more prolific when given the opportunity to cross-pollinate.

Blueberries are often listed as early-season, mid-season, and late-season. There is some overlap, but early-season varieties will finish blooming before late-season varieties start. To ensure cross pollination, use varieties from the same season or make sure that one variety is a mid-season bloomer/producer.

Once planted, water blueberries regularly and continue to monitor soil pH and organic matter content over the years. Prune out dead stems each spring as plants produce new leaves and maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch over the roots to keep the soil cool.

— Jennifer Smith is a former horticulture extension agent for K-State Research and Extension and horticulturist for Lawrence Parks and Recreation. She is the host of “The Garden Show” and has been a gardener since childhood. Send your gardening questions and feedback to features@ljworld.com.