Blueberry

Facts: A deciduous bush growing to 1m, fruiting from November to April, prune lightly after fruiting, requires an acid soil, yields 4kg per bush, grows 1-1.2m high, plant 50cm apart.

Climate: Will take winter lows of minus 1 degree but protect from frost. Warm climates only.

How to grow: We all know this is a miracle fruit full of vitamins and antioxidants, but they also have beautiful autumn leaf colour and stunning bell-shaped flowers in spring. Treat blueberries like azaleas and you will be right! Give them rich soil, soil moisture, good drainage and a position away from strong winds – and you'll be rewarded with up to 4kg of fruit per plant each summer season. The best thing you can is to mulch with pine leaves and chook manure.

Varieties: I love 'Sunshine Blue' which has a low chilling requirement making it easy for coastal and warm climate gardens as well as being quite tolerant of alkaline soil (well it is in the Garden Clinic HQ garden). The local nursery should be able to recommend a good variety for your climate. 'Misty' is another good warm climate blueberry. 'Northumberland' has great clusters of berries that persist well on the bush, very hardy to extremes of heat, very good for cooler climates.

Pruning: Don't allow your plants to fruit for the first two years, as a good structure is more important. Stems will then produce berries for up to four years and then can be removed at ground level or to a vigorous side shoot. Keep the centre of the bush open to allow good air circulation.