Blueberries and other vaccinnium plants can be successfully grown in the open garden, containers or raised beds where soil suitable for other ericaceous plants such as Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Heathers can be provided.

Optimum soil acidity should be between pH 4.5 and 5.5, however they will tolerate soil around pH6 where plenty of organic matter such as fine pine chippings or peat has been incorporated.

Blueberries will provide the best flavoured fruit and the brightest autumn colour when positioned in full sun.

They are tolerant of wind, but in extremely exposed conditions some shelter is advantageous. Cold conditions down to -12C for short periods are acceptable for most varieties. The root systems of container grown plants, however, benefit from some form of protection in winter, such as fleece, straw or hessian sacking.