Cultivated blueberries have strict technological requirements, and the success of a plantation depends on carefully following the recommended practices from the establishment stage onward. Proper substrate management, continuous pH monitoring, optimal fertigation and formative work during the first years directly influence plant establishment and subsequent development.

Farmer-mentor Iurie Toma, founder of the “Trei bobițe” cooperative, provided technical support and advisory services to farmer Valeriu Matcovschi, administrator of the agricultural company “Darurile Basarabiei” SRL, from Malinovscoe village, Rîșcani district, to establish and efficiently manage a container-grown blueberry plantation.

As part of the mentoring activities, the farmer received practical training covering all stages of establishing and managing a container-grown blueberry plantation. The mentor guided him in assessing site conditions and developing the production plan, preparing the acidic substrate and containers, planting the material correctly, installing the irrigation system and implementing a fertigation programme while maintaining an optimal pH level. The training also covered plant pinching and shaping, crop maintenance, plantation development monitoring and record-keeping, with the aim of ensuring uniform plant growth and efficient plantation management.

According to the specialist, the first aspect that should be checked before establishing a blueberry plantation is the soil reaction. Blueberries require an acidic environment, and cultivation under unsuitable conditions may compromise crop development.

Everything begins with soil quality and its pH level. Blueberries require an acidic substrate with a pH of approximately 4–5. Where natural conditions do not provide such an environment, blueberries can be grown in containers or in special substrates based on acidic peat. If this requirement is not met, the plants will not develop properly and may fail altogether, explains mentor Iurie Toma.

Once the substrate has been prepared, attention should turn to the irrigation and fertigation system. The consultant points out that even water with suitable parameters for other crops can become problematic for blueberries if it is not properly adjusted.

The water used for irrigation must be monitored continuously. If its pH is too high, it must be adjusted before application. Natural acidification solutions are available for organic production systems, and water adjustment is essential for maintaining optimal plant development conditions, the mentor explains.

The fertigation programme must also be adapted to the specific requirements of blueberries, using fertilisers that are compatible with an acidic environment so that the plants receive balanced nutrition throughout the growing season.

Another important technological aspect is variety selection. According to Iurie Toma, planting a single variety is not recommended.

It is advisable to have several compatible varieties in a plantation, as they cross-pollinate. Cross-pollination improves fruit set and helps achieve higher and more uniform yields, says the mentor.

During the flowering period, the consultant recommends ensuring effective pollination by introducing honeybee colonies or bumblebees into the plantation.

Blueberries produce a very large number of flowers, and without adequate pollination they cannot reach their full yield potential. The presence of pollinators is an essential part of the cultivation technology, explains mentor Iurie Toma.

After establishing the plantation, the focus should be on proper plant formation rather than obtaining an early harvest. The specialist emphasises that one of the most common mistakes is trying to obtain a crop during the first years after planting.

During the first and even the second year, it is advisable to remove the fruit and focus on shaping the bushes. The plant needs to direct its energy towards developing its root system and canopy. Early fruit production can slow plant development and reduce the plantation’s long-term performance, explains mentor Iurie Toma.

Growth management is also important at this stage.

Vigorous shoots should be pinched at the right time to stimulate branching and develop a well-balanced plant. Pruning and formative work carried out during the first years directly influence crop productivity in subsequent years, says the mentor.

Regarding plantation maintenance, Iurie Toma recommends using a layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture and maintain favourable conditions for root development.

Organic materials, such as conifer needles or other suitable plant residues, help retain moisture, suppress weed growth and maintain the conditions required for blueberry cultivation, explains mentor Iurie Toma.

In addition to following the cultivation technology, the mentor recommends keeping permanent records of all work performed in the plantation. Recording irrigation, fertigation and maintenance operations enables rapid adjustments to the production practices and facilitates monitoring of the crop’s uniform development.

The training and farmer-to-farmer knowledge transfer activities took place throughout May 2026 and included site visits, practical demonstrations, technical advice and monitoring of plant development.

This material was produced as part of the agricultural advisory activities provided to producers in the Republic of Moldova through the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS), supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry and implemented by the Centre for Agricultural and Rural Advisory Services (CCAR), as part of the Republic of Moldova’s Economic Growth Plan for 2025–2027.