If it has become root bound, you can use your hands or pruners to carefully pry apart the ends of the roots.
It is best to replant blueberries that you have dug up right away.
If this isn’t possible, you can wrap the root ball in plastic and set the bush in a sheltered location out of direct sun until it can be planted, but do not wait longer than a few days.
When you are ready to plant, dig a hole just deeper and wider than the root ball.
You can add a little sawdust, composted pine bark, coffee grounds, or peat moss to the hole to increase acidity if necessary.
Place the shrub in the hole and backfill with soil.
Mulch with a few inches of pine needles, shredded pine bark, or sawdust, leaving two to three inches unmulched around the stem.
If planting multiple shrubs, plan to leave at least five or six feet between each.
Water Water Water
Water deeply immediately after planting, and continue to water often, making sure the top inch of soil always remains moist.
Blueberries have shallow roots, and surface roots can dry out easily. It is therefore important to water deeply and regularly to avoid this.
Shrubs should receive at least an inch of water per week and up to four inches during fruiting.
A soaker hose works well because it will deliver water directly to the roots.
Just the Ticket
It’s a good thing transplanting blueberries is so easy. Sometimes, this can be exactly what is needed to revive an underperforming shrub.
Just follow the tips described above and before you know it, your blueberry bushes will be flourishing!
Have you moved blueberry shrubs to a new location? Share your experience in the comments section below.
And for more information about growing blueberries in your garden, check out these guides next: