The Fragrant Herb That Can Help Your Potted Blueberries Flourish

If you are growing blueberries in containers or in garden beds, you probably look forward to their spring blossoms and late summer fruit every year. However, to help your shrub reach its full potential, consider placing companion plants nearby. Companion planting benefits your garden by creating biodiversity, deterring pests, and promoting soil health and structure. But you can't just whack any plants together and hope for the best. You need to reflect on what plants will suit the needs of your blueberry bush. One option that can really help your plant to thrive is lemon balm (Melissa officinalis). As a member of the mint family, this fragrant herb packs a punch. As its name suggests, it fills your garden with a lemon-scented aroma, bringing something new to the senses while supporting your blueberry plant.

Lemon balm can help your blueberry bush by attracting pollinators. It also works as an insect repellent because of its strong aroma. When it is growing near a blueberry bush, the crop will get some protection from harmful pests.

It is essential not to plant lemon balm in the same pot as the blueberries. Lemon balm spreads quite quickly and can soon take over the container it is in, which will ultimately harm anything else in there. Instead, plant lemon balm in its own container and place the pot right next to your blueberry bush. This will allow you to get all the benefits without risking it spreading. 

Lemon balm can be grown from seeds or cuttings, planting them out in fall or late spring. It needs fertile, well-drained soil to thrive, so fill the container up with a decent potting mix before planting the herb. Like your blueberry bush, lemon balm thrives in full sun, so position the potted plants in a suitable location to get enough sunshine. Keep both plants moist, checking the soil regularly to see if they need water. After the lemon balm flowers, deadhead it and cut it back. As lemon balm self-seeds readily, doing so will help avoid seedlings cropping up and taking over in the blueberry container. If it is getting a bit too clumpy, divide this garden herb in the fall to create new plants with.