Blueberries are a fruit that grows on a flowering shrub. They have a deep purple color and a nice sweet taste, which makes them the favorite of millions. Blueberries can be consumed raw or frozen and can be added to desserts or smoothies. They have a variety of health benefits thanks to their rich nutritional profile, which includes anthocyanins that give them their nice color and a variety of antioxidants as well.
According to studies, blueberries can prevent brain damage, lower cholesterol and blood pressure and protect the cardiovascular system. The antioxidants in the fruit can fight free radicals in the body that might accelerate aging and boost the development of cancer cells. Experts recommend eating the berries raw or consuming a glass of blueberry juice every day in order to protect your heart and brain and improve your overall health.
However, although beneficial, the blueberries we find in markets are almost never organic. If you want to get organic blueberries, you must find them a ta local market, or better yet, grow them at home. It’s not a complicated process and can give you an endless supply of the wonderful berries.
Here’s what you need to do:
Find the proper place
Blueberries need a lot of sunlight, so make sure to pick a sunny spot to grow them. Proper sunlight will allow them to grow with the process of photosynthesis, so make sure to put them on a raised bed or a container.
Give them space
The shrub needs at least 6 feet to grow, so make sure to give it some breathing room.
Planting
The best time to start growing your blueberries is spring or fall. Just put the roots in the soil, cover them with more soil, then pat it down and water well. The soil should be well-drained, and the shrub requires proper hydration.
Mulching
Blueberries like high-quality soil with some rind, mulch, sawdust or grass clippings. Add a few wraths to allow the soil to retain moisture and prevent the development of weeds. The mulching should be performed once a year.
Pruning
Once the shrub grows, start pruning it – this will allow the branches to develop further and support the plant. It will also keep the shrub from producing too many fruits. Once you see the fruits nicely developed, pick them off and remove the flower blooms as well. Start with the low growths, remove dead wood and the discolored branches as well.
Fertilization
In order to support the growth of the shrub, use organic fertilizers in the soil. Non-toxic high-quality fertilizers will keep the plant alive for a long time. The best time for fertilization is early spring after pruning.
Care for your plant properly, and it will provide berries for 40-50 years. Homemade blueberries taste great and will certainly improve your overall health.
Source : greenholisticplanet.com
