🪴 How to Grow Blueberries in the UK

1. Choose the Right Variety

Look for cold-hardy varieties suited to the UK climate:

• ‘Bluecrop’ – reliable, heavy yields

• ‘Patriot’ – very hardy, early fruit

• ‘Chandler’ – large berries, extended harvest

• ‘Sunshine Blue’ – compact and partly evergreen, ideal for containers

Blueberries are self-fertile, but growing 2–3 varieties increases yield and size.

2. Plant in the Right Soil

• Use ericaceous compost (acidic).

• Containers should be at least 30cm (12 inches) wide and deep.

• If planting in the ground, dig in lots of ericaceous compost and test your soil pH.

3. Watering

• Rainwater is best – tap water in hard water areas can raise soil pH.

• Keep soil moist but not soggy.

4. Feeding

• Use ericaceous feed (like rhododendron or azalea food) during the growing season.

• Avoid lime or general-purpose fertilisers — they’ll harm your blueberries.

5. Position

• Full sun is best – at least 6 hours a day.

• Blueberries are fine outdoors all year, but protect the pot in deep winter if it’s very cold.

6. Pruning

• In years 3+, prune in late winter to remove old or weak wood and encourage new growth.

• Blueberries fruit on 1–2 year old wood.

🫐 Harvest Time

Blueberries ripen in mid to late summer, depending on the variety. Don’t pick them too early – wait until they turn deep blue and detach easily with a gentle roll.

🍵 Used Tea is Brilliant for Compost (and Blueberries!)

Since blueberries love acidic conditions, used tea leaves or bags (plastic-free!) are perfect for:

• Adding to your compost heap

• Mixing into soil around blueberries (like a mini mulch)

• Feeding your wormery, if you have one

Just avoid adding too much at once—a handful here and there is ideal.

Make sure the tea bags are biodegradable if you're composting them whole. Better yet, tear them open and compost only the leaves.