Blueberry plants are a woody perennial shrub that grow best in full sunlight and an acidic, well-draining soil. Growing organic blueberries involves planting and preparing the garden area without the use of chemical fertilizers and amendments. Organic amendments to the planting area will not only increase the nutrient content of the soil, but also lower the pH value to make it more acidic. Blueberry plants require yearly maintenance with organic amendments to keep the pH levels acidic.
Test the soil pH to verify the current pH level. Blueberries grow best in an acidic soil of with a pH of 4.8 to 5.2.
Work 2 to 3 inches of sphagnum peat moss into the planting area the fall season prior to planting. Sphagnum peat moss is an organic amendment that lowers the soil pH and increases the organic matter of the soil. Let the soil rest during the winter months.
Work 3 to 4 inches of organic compost into the blueberry garden area with a tiller just prior to planting in the spring. Compost lowers the soil pH along with increasing the nutrient content and water-draining properties of the soil.
Place 2 to 3 inches of sawdust mulch, pine bark mulch or organic peat mulch mixed with pine needles around the blueberry bushes after planting. These mulch types lower the soil acidity.
Test the soil pH each spring to verify it is 4.8 to 5.2. Refresh the acidic mulch layer around the blueberry plants to keep a 2- to 3-inch layer. Work several handfuls of peat moss into the soil around each plant if the pH is above 5.5.