Blueberry Bushes- Pine Bark

Q: Just south of me, folks in Alma are growing blueberry bushes directly in pine bark. Some grow them in fifty-gallon plastic drums cut in half, using drip irrigation. Is pine bark the only ingredient in the soil or is it a mix?

A: For the most part, Southern highbush blueberries grow very well in pure pine bark that has been screened to a particle size of 1/4 inch or less. Managing fertilizer and water in bark is more difficult than with common rabbiteye blueberries in soil. But since Southern highbush varieties like ‘O’Neal’, ‘Cape Fear’, and ‘Summit’ bear fruit in April, you’ll be enjoying them long before rabbiteye blueberries are available.