Blueberries
Delicious, antioxidant-rich berries. They require acidic soil, making them a specific but rewarding crop for UK gardeners, especially in pots.
Blueberries (Young bush)
£11.99 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
Rarely grown from seed; buy established plants
Plant out
Autumn or Spring
Harvest
July – September, depending on variety
Conditions
Sun
Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours direct sun)
Water
Regularly and consistently, especially during fruiting. Use rainwater where possible due to pH.
Soil
Very acidic (pH 4.5–5.5), humus-rich, well-drained. Use ericaceous compost.
Spacing
90-150cm (3-5ft) between plants
Containers
Highly recommended in large pots (min 45-60cm / 18-24 inch diameter) using ericaceous compost.
Indoors
Not suitable for indoor growing
Care and harvest
Feeding
Feed annually in spring with an ericaceous fertiliser or sequestered iron if leaves show yellowing (chlorosis).
Pruning
In late winter/early spring, remove dead, damaged, or weak stems, and thin out older, less productive wood (3+ years old).
Harvesting
Pick when berries are fully blue and easily detach. Don't rush; flavour improves over a few days.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 10 days, or freeze for longer storage. Wash just before use.
Good companions: Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Pine trees