My experience with bb is if it's not broken don't fix it. Your setup doesn't sound broken. Why couldn't you just water less? And if you've added sulfur 5.5 sounds great. Most of the plants are growing well. What's not to like?

I'd caution about adding too much sulfur. Excessively low pH is just as bad as too high.

If you really have a drainage issue the best bet would be raising the height of your bed. If the plants aren't too big you might be able to do that in winter by peeling back the top 6-12 inches of roots with the plants included. Then push new material under the plants. Even 6 inches higher would improve drainage significantly.

That's a good idea. I wouldn't say they've are soaking wet but if I don't water them for a few days I put my meter in the ground and it goes all the way to the wet side but that might be what blueberries like, I'm not sure.

Those meters for me usually read too high. I won't trust them. Dig a hole near the plants as deep as you can. See if water stands in the hole. If the water table is deeper than 18 inches I think you are OK. If higher than that for a day after a big rain that's OK.

Perfect, thanks a lot. I read your other post on blueberries and was very suprised how fast your plants grew. I have been using espoma soil acidifier. Is there a benefit to using ammonium sulfate? Or just stick with what I'm using?

Hey Fruitnut,

I am also following your instructions on:

http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/1462273/one-and-7-yr-blueberry-growth-with-pictures#20086533

Anything change over the years or same technique still?

Since that 2011 post I've become more cautious on sulfuric acid, sulfur, and ammonium sulfate. If you can get the pH right quit the strong stuff. Rainwater is the key. Use a lot of that and less sulfuric acid and sulfur. Ammonium sulfate is good if not mixed too strongly. When the pH gets down to the 5 range urea or organic fertilizer is a better bet.

Sorry to keep bothering you fruitnut but do you trust those ph meters? I have one that keeps reading a ph of 6.5 or 6 but I know it's most likely lower because I have had blueberries in the raised beds for a couple months and they still have dark green leaves and look healthy

Good info... thanks!