GROWING TIPS

Blueberries belong to the Azalea family and require similar growing conditions. The spineless shrubs can be either evergreen or deciduous, vary from I m to 3 m in height, and are long lived (at least 30 years). The fruit has a waxy bloom, borne in clusters on the end of branches, and ripens from early summer to autumn, depending on location and variety.

PREPARATION AND PLANTING

Soil must be acid (pH4.5-5.5), well drained, and have high organic matter (3% +). Clean cultivate, or weedicide, plant oats as a cover crop, and raise beds if necessary. Test soil and bring soil phosphorous up to medium levels.

• Plant in full sun.

• Planting distances for larger varieties would be I .2m between plants and 3-4m between rows.

• When planting tease out roots and plant no deeper than the nursery level.

• Mulch using sawdust or straw.

• Great for growing in a pot.

CULTURE

• Remove flowers in the first years to encourage growth. Irrigation is necessary particularly in summer, with plenty of high quality water. Fertilise as for Azalea (nitrogen is best absorbed as the ammonium ion, phosphorous usually needs to be applied, and shortages of magnesium, copper and iron are common). Never ever use any kind of manure on blueberry plants.

• Use copper sprays at 50% leaf fall, mid-winter and budburst for fungal diseases. Net to exclude birds.  Prune out weak diseased wood, keep centres open and flowering spikes may need shortening.

• Delay picking until fruit is sweet. A blue berry is not necessarily a ripe berry, and ripening is uneven through the cluster. An adult bush should provide between 4kg and I0kg depending on culture and variety.

USES

Blueberries can be used fresh and do store and freeze well. They can be dried, used for jams, pies, sauces, muffins, bread, pancakes, cakes, tarts, ice cream, juice, salads, yoghurt, and wine. Click here to see recipe ideas