Yellow leaves from high soil pH (chlorosis)
Growing problem Leaves turn yellow between the veins when plants cannot take up iron.
What to look for
Yellow leaves with green veins, usually on blueberries, raspberries or other acid-loving plants in alkaline soil or hard-water areas.
When: Spring to autumn.
How to prevent it
- Grow blueberries in pots of ericaceous compost.
- Water with rainwater rather than tap water in hard-water areas.
- Test your soil pH before choosing plants.
How to deal with it
- Feed with sequestered iron or an ericaceous fertiliser.
- Repot into ericaceous compost if the plant is in a container.
- Mulch with pine bark or composted bracken.
Crops it affects
If you choose to use any treatment, use only products approved for UK home gardens, follow the label and avoid spraying open flowers. See all pests and diseases.