Growing Southern Highbush Blueberries in Pure Pine Bark

Commercial growers in Alma, GA, produce Southern highbush blueberries (e.g., ‘O’Neal’, ‘Cape Fear’, ‘Summit’) in 100% screened pine bark (¼-inch particles or less) in raised beds or half-drums with drip irrigation.

Advantages

• Excellent drainage prevents root rot.
• Early harvest (April) before rabbiteye varieties.

Challenges

Fertilizer and water management are more demanding than for rabbiteye blueberries in soil.

See “Fertilizing Highbush Blueberries in Pine Bark Beds” for detailed cultural practices.