Page 28 - ALG Issue 2 2022

growing low bush that may grow to 60cms/2ft. tall. The dwarfed varieties are especially suitable for growing
in pots, raised beds or containers. Both varieties of blueberries require the same growing conditions. Plant
in groups to encourage pollination. Planting distance – 1.5metres/5ft each way between plants.
Pruning – very little pruning is required in the early years, other than to cut out weak, crossing, damaged or diseased branches. After a few years, some
of the older wood will become less productive and will have to be pruned out to be replaced by younger wood. Ripe blueberries are uniformly blue and plump; if it still looks reddish, it isn’t quite ready.
BILBERRIES
– VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS
These are a British and European native species that grow wild on acidic heath or moorland. Known as Bilberry, Blaeberry, Whortleberry, Whinberry
or Windberry, they are low-growing plants with very dark purple berries. They have a good flavour but fruit sparsely and would need a good deal of space for a productive crop.
CRANBERRY
There are two major species of cranberry: the American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and the European cranberry (V. oxycoccos). The European cranberry fruit is smaller. Both are available at UK fruit nurseries.
Cranberries have deep red berries and pretty pink flowers that develop on evergreen creeping shrubs that need a trim to keep them tidy in spring and autumn. The fruits develop in autumn and can be dried or used in sauces, stuffings, infusions and pies.
LINGONBERRY
– VACCINIUM VITIS IDEAE Familiar to most people from trips to Ikea and a serving of meatballs
Ripe blueberries are uniformly blue and plump; if it still looks reddish, it isn’t quite ready.
with lingonberry sauce, these tart berries can be used in jams, compote, smoothies, or syrups. The Swedes eat the red berries raw, mashed with sugar – rårörda lingon. The berries mature
in mid to late autumn – pick before the first frosts, and the plants will take a few years to establish. They require little pruning.
Any plants in pots are susceptible to attack from vine weevil and especially so if the soil becomes too alkaline,
but this can be controlled by applying Nematodes at the appropriate time. You may also need to protect your berries from birds with fruit netting.
25% OFF premiums for
NAS members 01424 20
The right insurance for your Allotment Association - claim your discount TODAY...
5001 | chrisknott.co.uk/nas Chris Knott Insurance The right choice for savings, service & support
28 Allotment and Leisure Gardener