Have you ever tried to grow your own blueberries at home? Their delicious tantalising taste just bursts in your mouth in an explosion of sweetness in a way that no shop-bought blueberries ever could.
Blueberries are the ultimate superfood and make the perfect addition to any home garden.
Health Benefits
Packed full of antioxidants, potassium, fibre, vitamin c, iron, and calcium. Blueberries not only taste great, but they offer so many health benefits that you just can’t find in other fruits, making them an excellent addition to your edible garden.
Where to grow them
Blueberries can be quite easy to grow, the biggest problem most people face when trying to grow them is the soil.
Blueberries require acidic soil, with a pH of 4.5 – 5.5, if you have tried to grow them in the past and failed this is likely the cause.
The easiest way to control the soil pH is by keeping your blueberries in pots. Otherwise, steps will need to be made to change your garden’s soil pH. To grow your blueberries in pots, it is best to use an azalea and camellia-specific mix, this is perfect because it is already formulated with acid-loving plants in mind.
Place them in a sunny location, that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily and keeps them protected from strong winds. Blueberries can struggle with heat, so make sure to water them well during the summer to keep them healthy and strong.
After planting your blueberry, do not fertilise it straight away. Wait until their roots have had time to develop and adapt to their new location. Their roots can burn otherwise. When they’re ready, fertilise them with an acid-loving plant’s fertiliser.
Water
Blueberries require free-draining soil and once established, will need daily watering during the warmer months. Be careful not to overwater in winter. Avoid watering their leaves, if possible, as this can lead to fungal issues.
Pests & Disease
Fungal issues may arise during heavy rainfal and high humidity such as blueberry rust. It is best to treat this issue before it happens with a fungicide. Especially if you live in an area prone to this kind of weather.
Check your plant for fruit flies, scale, and even caterpillars as they are all common blueberry plant pests.
As are birds, who will make short work of your berries before you even get the chance to try some yourself. If birds are an issue for you, make sure you cover your plants with netting when they first start to fruit, to stop the birds from getting access.
Maintenance
Pruning is not essential for blueberries but a light trim during the growing season may be required. Just be careful not to get too carried away, blueberries flower
Fruiting & Harvest
Don’t fear if your blueberry doesn’t fruit right away. It normally takes 3 years before they will start to put out berries, and up to 6 years before they will produce at their optimum peak.
If you have any questions, ask our friendly team instore, they will be able to help you with all your gardening needs, until then.
Happy Gardening!
