Blueberries in Barrack Hill
Vaccinium corymbosum
Blueberries need acidic, moisture-retentive soil or ericaceous compost, with rainwater where possible. Grow them in the ground only if your soil is naturally acid, or keep them in pots of ericaceous compost and top up mulch each spring.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Blueberry
Planting Calendar
Plant Blueberries
15 Dec – 24 AprPlant container-grown blueberries at 15th December - 24th April in a large pot filled with ericaceous compost. Set the crown at the same level as the compost surface and water in thoroughly straight away.
Water to Establish
18 Feb – 17 AugKeep the compost evenly moist from 18th February through 17th August, especially in dry spells. Use rainwater if possible, because tap water can raise the compost pH over time.
Mulch and Feed
18 Jan – 17 Febevery 365 daysTop-dress with ericaceous compost or pine bark mulch from 18th January to 17th February. Repeat every 365 days to keep the root zone moist and support fruiting.
Protect Ripening Fruit
18 Apr – 3 MayPut bird netting over the plants from 18th April before the berries start to colour. Fix it securely, because birds will strip ripe fruit very quickly.
Harvest Berries
27 Jun – 17 JulPick from 27th June to 17th July once the berries are fully blue and come away with a light pull. Harvest over several weeks as the fruit ripens unevenly, and handle the crop gently to avoid bruising.
Light Prune
19 Dec – 18 JanFrom 19th December to 18th January, remove weak, dead or crossing stems and shorten a few older shoots if the bush is crowded. Blueberries need only light pruning, so avoid hard cutting back.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Blueberry.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Blueberry to consider
Bluecrop
A reliable mid-season variety with firm, well-flavoured berries and steady crops.
Duke
An early variety that crops well and is often grown in pots or the ground.
Brigitta Blue
A late-season variety with good-sized fruit and a tidy growth habit.
Elliott
A very late variety that extends the picking season in a sheltered spot.
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Brussels Sprouts
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Calabrese
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