How to Grow Your Own Organic Blueberries
Blueberries are quite a modern ‘favourite fruit’, popular with the yummy mummy set! Naturally sweet, the reason they are less popular overall is likely due to them costing a fortune to buy in shops. So why not grow your own?
One of the only fruits native to North America (alongside cranberries and huckleberries), these are ‘superfoods’, which basically means they are higher in antioxidants than most other fresh produce (all fresh produce is, this is just a bit more!)
Blueberries are not actually blue (a very rare colour in nature). They are technically deep purple, with green flesh inside. You’ll notice a chalky ‘bloom’ on them, this is fine it just protects berries from sun and insects. And unlike strawberries and raspberries, these are ‘true berries’!
Blueberries (also used in food dyes) are very low in calories, so a great alternative to a bag of sweets thanks to their lovely flavour). They are also linked to better brain function, and lower risk of age-related memory loss.
What you need to grow organic blueberries
Blueberries are not the easiest fruits to grow, but let’s give it a go! They need very acidic soil (PH4.5 to 5.5) and must be planted in a sunny sheltered spot. Most English garden soil is neutral to alkaline, so you’ll likely have to grow them in containers or raised beds with peat-free ericaceous (acid-loving) soil.
Choose a wide pot (at least 30 to 50cm deep) with good drainage holes, and position your plants in full sun, though they can tolerate partial shade (but not strong winds). Only water with rainwater (tap water’s calcium will raise the soil PH and turn the levels yellow). Invest in a child/pet-safe water butt. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
- Read up on pet-friendly gardens for plants and mulches (like cocoa) to avoid
- Use humane non-toxic methods to deter slugs/snails
- For indoor plants and greenhouses, use Feather Friendly bird tape to stop birds flying into windows (avoid facing indoor plants to face gardens).
Use fruit protector bags (never use netting as this can trap birds and wildlife). Fasten over fruit as it starts to ripen, and leave until harvest (remove during flowering to let bees pollinate, or no fruit will develop). If laundered, use a microfiber filter.
Use organic plant fertilisers to feed blueberries in early spring, again only ones that are designed for acid-loved plants. You can top the soil with a thick 5-10cm layer of organic mulch (pine needles, pine bark or leaf mould) to retain moisture and maintain acidity (don’t use any of these near pets).
Only prune blueberry bushes after three years (from the fourth year, prune in late winter by removing dead, weak or low-crossing branches to keep the bush open to sunlight).
Where to buy sustainable blueberry plants
If you can’t find sustainable blueberry plants locally:
Organic Gardener sells an organic premium variety of blueberry, known for its sweet tartness, ideal for smoothies and baking. This version is known for its drought tolerance.
Rocket Gardens sells easy-to-grow blueberry plants that are delicious and nutritious. The plants are sent in biodegradable fibre pots for easy planting.
This company’s vegetables and herbs are organic, the blueberries are the best we could find commercially (in sustainable packaging).
Ways to eat fresh organic blueberries
Blueberries are best avoided for people on blood-thinning medication, kidney stone risk and people with salicylate sensitivity. Avoid blueberries for small children and swallowing difficulties.
- Eat them raw as a healthy hydrating snack.
- Top on porridge, overnight oats or plant-based yoghurt
- Smoothie: Blend with a handful of berries, banana, spinach and oat drink.
- Crush a few berries i na glass of water with a sprig of fresh mint.
