Blueberries are healthy and delicious fruits with great benefits for our health. They are antioxidants, prevent aging, cancer and many diseases of the cardiovascular system. In addition, they help control diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol and are excellent for combating urinary tract diseases.
Growing blueberries at home is very easy and even though it takes three years to produce the first fruits, it can save us a lot of money. If you don’t want to wait, you can start with a shrub that is already bearing fruit. Or start from seeds and follow the instructions below.
First you need to choose the vase. If you have decided to start seeds, you will need to germinate them in a small container (such as a jar). However, if you have chosen to start from a seedling, you will need to use a larger pot.
For a young plant, a pot of around 20 liters is ideal. When the plant is mature, i.e. after the fourth year, you will need a 60-75 liter pot.
In winter, pots do not provide the roots with the same protection from the cold as the ground. For this reason, it is recommended to insulate them by spreading hay on the ground.
Blueberry plants like acidic soil with a low pH (between 4.5 and 5) . To make the soil acidic, you can add peat moss, cottonseed meal, or a compost made from pine bark and leaves.
Blueberries begin to bear fruit from the age of three. Most blueberry plants are capable of self-pollination, but to be safe we can plant two plants together that come from different cultures.
Blueberries need a lot of sun. Water frequently, but they will not grow well if the potting soil is constantly moist. Use light soil with good drainage.
Blueberries are a very versatile fruit, ideal for sweet and healthy preparations.