Grow blueberries in pots

Blueberries are bursting with superfood properties.

Blueberries are a good source of vitamin K. They also contain vitamin C, fibre, manganese and other antioxidants (notably anthocyanins). Valued for its high levels of antioxidants, some nutritionists believe that if you make only one change to your diet, it should be to add blueberries.

Die-hards claim blueberries can help protect against heart disease and some cancers, as well as improve your memory. If nothing else though, they taste yummy whether on their own or in blueberry muffins.

How to grow blueberries

Blueberries have only one request – an acidic soil. If you are unsure what pH your soil is and don’t want to buy a simple testing kit then plant blueberries in a pot using an ericaceous compost.

Many blueberries (latin name Vaccinium corymbosum) will grow successfully in pots although you may not get quite such a bumper crop as you would in the open ground.

Start off by buying a pot about an inch bigger than the one you buy your plant in. Then as it matures and you see roots at the base of your pot, gradually pot on. The final pot size should be 40-50cm (16-20 inches) across. Once at this size you will only need to re-pot every two or three years in late winter. When you are at this stage simply remove 20% of the old compost and roots and then re-plant in the same pot with fresh compost.

Watering and feeding

Water regularly in dry spells. Ideally use harvested rainwater from rain water butts. Feed monthly with an ericaceous liquid feed as per the instructions on the packet. Avoid overfeeding.

In winter, protect plants by moving the pots to a garage or cool shed when it is very cold outside or you can wrap your pot with bubble wrap to protect the roots form getting cold.

In spring you may need to protect flowers from late frosts by covering them in horticultural fleece.

In summer you may need to stop birds eating your berries by covering plants with fruit cage netting.

We think blueberries are a great addition to the garden, why not give them a go?