Vaccinium macrocarpon 'Pilgrim'

Spring · Outdoors

Apply acidic mulch

Where soil is only just acidic, apply mulch with a high acidic content such as leaf mould, or mulch for ericaceous plants. Alternatively the plant can benefit from a feed of iron supplement (iron chelate) such as sequestrol.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water in dry periods

Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.

Summer - early · Outdoors

Apply slow release fertiliser

Apply a slow release fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plants soon after they have come into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.

Summer · Planting

Protect fruit from birds

If the plant is not grown in a fruit cage, protect it with a net to prevent birds eating the fruit.

Winter - late · Planting

Prune soft fruit bushes

Prune lightly in first 3 years. After that prune to encourage new stems from the base. Remove one-quarter of the oldest, plus weak or rubbing stems and any touching the ground. Cut at base or just above a young strong shoot lower down the branch.

Applies to currants, gooseberries, blueberries and honeyberries

Winter - late · Planting

Prune cordon or fan-trained soft fruit

Reduce side shoots which branch off the main vertical stem by cutting above the second bud. This will encourage the "spurs" to fan out, maintaining the plant's shape.

Applies to currants, gooseberries and blueberries

Outdoors

Water with rain water

This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.

Planting

Trees, shrubs and soft fruit in containers

Choose a pot with drainage holes, 2-3 times the volume of the existing pot. When roots appear at the drainage holes, pot on, increasing the size. Large plants need large pots. Keep soil moist but not wet, reduce watering in winter to prevent root rot.

Applies to any shrub or soft fruit and small trees deemed suitable for growing in a pot

Outdoor planting · Planting

Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole

Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.

Compost · Planting

Ericaceous compost

This plant requires acidic (ericaceous) soil. Where the soil is not acidic, or when planting in pots, use an ericaceous compost.