When to plant Blueberries in Newcastle upon Tyne

Plant container-grown blueberries at 7th October - 18th November 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.

Keep the compost evenly moist from 28th October through 16th July 2027, especially in dry spells. Use rainwater if possible, because tap water can raise the compost pH over time.

Around 24th February - 26th March 2027, top-dress with ericaceous compost or pine bark, leaving the crown clear. Apply an ericaceous feed only if growth is weak, and repeat this care each year.

Put bird netting over the plants from 19th July 2027 before the berries start to colour. Fix it securely, because birds will strip ripe fruit very quickly.

Pick from 3rd August 2027 to 23rd August 2027 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.

From 25th January 2027 to 24th February 2027, 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.