There are several unusual fruit plants that grow exclusively in very acidic soils, and among the best known are our wild blackberries and American blueberries.
The former still thrive best when growing wild in forests, while the latter species has achieved remarkable popularity in gardens.
The uniqueness of these plants lies in the fact that they require very acidic soil for growth. The most suitable medium for them is high-quality peat, although acidic sandy soils with a pH of approximately 3.5–4.0 can also be used.
In such cases, it is essential to install an automatic irrigation system, because all blueberries have shallow root systems and require consistently moist soil. In sandy conditions, as is well known, water does not remain in the soil for long.
The needs of each shrub purchased from a garden centre can be most easily met by digging a hole of around 50 litres, replacing the soil with a ready-made substrate, and planting the shrub.
Although peat retains water very well, it is still necessary to ensure it remains constantly moist during dry periods. Evaporation can be reduced by mulching the soil around the shrubs with bark or other organic material.
Once we have planted as many highbush blueberries as planned, it is also worth considering growing lingonberries and large-fruited cranberries. Their requirements are the same, but a 20-litre bag of blueberry substrate is sufficient for each plant.
