Plant Gardens 101

Blueberry fruit is also low in calories and sodium, contains no cholesterol, and is a source of fiber. A major constituent of the fiber is pectin, known for its ability to lower blood cholesterol. In studies blueberry contain measurable quantities of allergic acid, which has inhibiting effects on chemically induced cancer in laboratory studies blueberry juice also contains a compound that prevents bacteria from anchoring themselves to the bladder, thereby helping to prevent urinary tract infections. Blueberries could make a good fruit crop for home gardens since they require small space. At present, blueberry plants are not common in home plantings because the plants require highly acidic soil conditions for best results. The grower of blueberries must, there fore, make extra effort to acidify the soil before plant establishment. Then, the acidity level must be maintained over the life of the planting. Due to the special concerns associated with the rather demanding soil requirements of growing the crop, the soil must be amended with organic matter and the pH must be corrected before proceeding to establish the planting. (more…)

Blueberries are not only delicious, but considered an antioxidant super-food and one of the healthiest fruits around. While they can be pricey in the supermarket – blueberries are surprisingly easy to grow throughout the U.S. So why not grow your own? According to Nicholas Staddon, director of new plants for Monrovia, blueberries have been gaining tremendous popularity among home gardeners for many reasons. “Well of course, people love the sweet berries. But they’ve realized that these shrubs are really beautiful, “he explained. “They have a fantastic array of white to blush-colored flowers in the spring that cascade down in clusters. The satiny foliage changes in the autumn from a pretty green to vivid red and gold.” He points out that blueberries are easy to grow, resistant to pests and diseases, and will yield a nice harvest of fruit for several weeks during the summer. Blueberries don’t require much space, and grow very well in containers – especially in oak wine or whiskey barrels. You can put the containers close to the house to make harvesting easier. Just a light pruning once a year, after they stop bearing fruit, and the shrubs will maintain a tidy appearance. (more…)