Can I grow redcurrants, blackcurrants and blueberries next to each other?

[TeaMonsta]

I'd like to make a partition by alternating redcurrant, blackcurrant and blueberry bushes (or at least two of them) in a row. They all seem to like the same (or very similar) conditions. Does anyone know of any problem that may arise from this or would they be happy to live alongside each other?

[WendyC]

Blueberries need an acidic soil and a pollinating partner for the best crops. Also they are far less vigorous than the other two and will get swamped by them, I think. You could grow red currants and blackcurrants together more successfully.

[Alison]

I have a row which has a blackcurrant, white currant and then 3 No blueberries and they're just fine so long as you leave enough space between them as single bushes (about 5'). Don't think it would work too well if you wanted it as a hedge though as there as the different types will vary in how vigorously they grow.

[Aberdeenplotter]

Like Alison, I have mine together but 5ft apart and they do fine

[TeaMonsta]

Thanks, all.

Aberdeenplotter - I'm over near Insch so might pick your brains on local issues, if I may (climate, what grows best around these parts, good local nurseries etc. This is my first year of growing anything so I'm a bit "green").

[lottie dolly]

Mine grow well together,the blue berries are in large 1/2 barrels,and are great,had a good crop this year,the b currants are in the ground,they are together in a net cage,the advantage of the barrels are,they can be moved to accommodate the shape and size by giving them a twist about,mine are on top of a slab,just to stop the horse tail ext penetrating the ericatiouse compost,

[Aberdeenplotter]

Thanks, all.

Aberdeenplotter - I'm over near Insch so might pick your brains on local issues, if I may (climate, what grows best around these parts, good local nurseries etc. This is my first year of growing anything so I'm a bit "green").

I don't want to put you off but even although Insch isn't that far away from here the climate is way different. Best askyour neighbours what to grow for best results.

Don't let that put you off picking my brains or the brains of any of the others on here. Collectively, we can solve most issues.

Locally you have the garden centre at Kellockbank and also the one further in the A96 but Inverurie isn't too far away from you either. Locally I use Parkhill GC at Dyce

[TeaMonsta]

I don't want to put you off but even although Insch isn't that far away from here the climate is way different.

True. I've noticed temperature differences between here and Dyce as we're about 300 feet higher. The house is in a bit of a sun-trap, though, so although we're at a higher altitude, summer temperature's tend to be higher.

Kellockbank's one of my regular visits as it's so close. Otherwise Kirkdale or the big one in Inverurie. I'll also have a look at Parkhill, though; wasn't aware of that one. Thanks, AP.

[bearded bloke]

Mrs.BB's go redcurrant, blackcurrant, redcurrant, black currant then a blueberry. Currants are about 5' apart with the blueberry about 6' on & it was set in a hole that was first filled with 3 bags of ericaceous compost

[Invicta]

Fruit together

Whilst you can grow them together as long as the soil is acid enough for the blueberries, they need different conditions for optimum performance. My soil is slightly acid clay. I grow my black currants in unimproved clay soil in one of the damper parts of the garden [I do give an annual mulch of compost] and they love it. The red currants are in a better drained part and I incorporated grit and compost into the soil before planting and found this improved them a lot. The blueberries are in big pots of ericaceous compost. Although Azalea, camellia and heather all are happy in my ordinary soil, the blueberry sulked when plaanted and vastly improved when transferred to the pot.

[TeaMonsta]

Thanks, folks. Haven't put grit in but mixed the soil (which is full of stones) with quite a bit of ericaceous compost and the result is quite light light and fluffy. The soil as it is has a pH of about 6.7. I've added sulphate of iron to the blueberry sites to acidify the soil further. Once it's settled, they'll go in, too. Just for info, I've planted the following blackcurrants:

Ben Connon
Ben Sarek
Ben Lomond

and redcurrants:

Jonkheer Van Tets
Laxton's no. 1

Blueberries are:

Patriot
Bluecrop

From left to right, they'll be planted (once the blueberries are in):

Blueberry - blueberry - blackcurrant - blackcurrant - blackcurrant - redcurrant - redcurrant

The thinking is that cross pollination can take place that much easier if types are planted together. Just guessing. Complete novice.