Session
Four:
Planting
 The last step is preparing the plants for planting. First, make sure
the root systems don't dry out before you get the plants planted. Small numbers of
plants may arrive with shrink wrap around the roots. If you are dealing with
plants in a larger quantity, they can be protected by covering them with a tarp or a piece
of damp burlap. It is important to also keep them out of the sun.
Next, take a look at the root systems and see what shape they're
in. As discussed earlier blueberry planting stock is basically two types, bare root
and containerized plants. Containerized plants may have roots that have grown
together into a matted mass. Blueberries have a very fibrous root system with no
root hairs so it is important to break up the mass to help encourage the roots to move out
from the rootball into the surrounding soil. Bareroot plants have loose root systems
that do not require breaking apart.
 Plants should be set into the soil at the same depth as
they were growing in the nursery or perhaps even a little shallower, making sure that the
collar or crown of the plant is at the soil surface. The picture on the left depicts
the area on the stem where it goes from white to green. This is the depth at which
it was growing in the nursery. Plants should be spaced about four feet apart within
the row and anywhere from eight to twelve feet between the rows.
Lastly, make a small mound in the bottom of the hole, draping the
roots of the plant over that mound. Then place the soil and peatmoss mixture around
the roots, firming it as you go, the final firming being with your feet.
 Once the plant is planted at the proper depth and the
soil is firmed, you will need to water the plant in. Usually a basin or a depression
is formed around the plant to catch the water. Approximately two gallons of water is
put on the plant, taking a little while for the water to soak in.
REMEMBER NOT TO PLANT THE BLUEBERRIES TOO DEEP!.
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