BLUEBERRIES

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and phytoflavonoids, as well as essential nutrients, including Vitamin C and potassium. They are anti-inflammatory, and studies suggest that can help lower the risk of cancer and heart disease.

While blueberries are considered self-fertile, all are best planted with a different variety to ensure maximum pollination and a good, heavier yield. Blueberries like acidic soil with a ph of between 4 and 4.5, so it’s best to make a dedicated blueberry bed. It doesn’t need to be very deep, as these plants have a shallow and fibrous root system. A specific area also makes it easier to cover bushes with netting in summer to protect the fruit from birds.

The easiest way to create the ideal acidic soil conditions is to prepare the bed with a 50:50 mix of peat and soil (or half and half peat and container mix for pots). Mulch around the base of the plants with well-rotted sawdust from untreated timber. Repeat the mulch at the start of each summer. Keep the area around the base weed free, as the shallow roots cannot compete with the vigorous roots of invading weeds.