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Preparation of the soil substrate for growing lingonberry, blueberry, and cranberry

For gardeners

3 min read

Preparation of the soil substrate for growing lingonberry, blueberry, and cranberry

Successful cultivation of lingonberries, blueberries, and cranberries in protected soil depends on the proper preparation of the soil substrate. These forest berries are extremely sensitive to acidity, humidity, and soil structure. Errors during the site preparation stage can lead to a sharp drop in yield or the death of the plants.

Hot summer weather negatively affects the growth and fruiting of all three crops. With a moisture deficit, the berries grow small.

Each of these plants requires a specific water-air regime. The lingonberry adapts to both dry and waterlogged places, but in cultivation, it needs stable humidity. Blueberries are planted in well-drained areas, avoiding places with a low groundwater level. Cranberries require abundant irrigation and periodic flooding — without this, their root system will not be able to develop fully.

Crop Permissible soil pH Requirements for soil composition and fertilizers
Lingonberry 3,5–6 Soil with a high content of peat or shredded sphagnum moss. Requires mandatory application of organic fertilizer.
Blueberry 4–5 Coarse peatlands with a humus content of at least 3,5%. 100 g of soil should contain at least 30–40 mg of potassium oxide, 25 mg of phosphorus oxide, and 10 mg of magnesium oxide.
Cranberry 2,5–6,5 Develops well even in mineral-poor soil. It is sufficient to apply small doses of complete mineral fertilizer.

Do not allow the soil acidity to decrease (pH increase) in the blueberry patch — this leads to a sharp drop in the berry field's yield.

Technology for preparing greenhouse soil before planting

Preparing the site for berry crops requires strict adherence to a sequence of operations. This creates optimal conditions for seed rooting and the development of the plant root system.

  1. Clear the greenhouse area of the roots and stems of previous crops, then thoroughly level its surface.
  2. Dig the soil for blueberries in the autumn to a depth of 40–50 cm. If the soil is too dense, add peat or leaf humus for loosening.
  3. If soil acidification is necessary, apply sulfur to a depth of 15 cm one year before planting.
  4. Equip the site for cranberries with a drainage system that will ensure a rapid inflow of water for flooding and its subsequent outflow.
  5. Abundantly moisten the soil before sowing cranberry seeds, and after leveling, cover it with a layer of river sand several centimeters thick to improve aeration.
  • Berry ripening temperature — 15-20 °С
  • Optimal humidity for lingonberry — 50–60 %
  • Digging depth for blueberry — 40–50 cm
  • Sulfur application depth — 15 cm

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