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. Once in production, it is necessary to protect the fruit from loss to birds. There are three main types of blueberries: high bush, rabbit eye, and southern high bush. Only high bush blueberry is recommended for Ohio rabbit eye and southern high bush blueberries are recommended for the southern United States. There are many good blueberry cultivars available. Climatic Requirements In general, the climate throughout Ohio is suited to the production of blue berries. The high bush blueberry requires full sun for optimum yield and quality, and grows best where the soil is very acidic and well supplied with moisture. Blueberries have a very fresh taste when picked straight off the bush. Beyond the initial challenge of establishing a new planting, there are really few pests that attack blueberry bushes. The bush should be narrow at base, open in the center, and free of vegetative clutter. Normally, fruiting buds are not counted on blueberry bushes to determine the maximum fruit load.

How to grow blueberries

Preparing the soil Blueberries require an acid soil, relatively high organic matter content, and good drainage. Poor blueberry plant growth resulting from soil pH that is too high is the most common problem when growing blueberries in the home garden. You also can grow blueberries in containers Northern high bush blueberries require a large container such as a wine barrel. Use mixtures that contain potassium sulfate rather than potassium chloride, blueberries are very sensitive to chloride. Also, make sure the N is in the form of ammonium, not nitrate, blueberries do not take up nitrate N. Blueberries can be grown in home gardens anywhere in North Carolina, if the right species and proper soil modifications are used. Blueberries are typically used in the landscape as hedges for screening purposes, but they can also be used in cluster plantings, or as single specimen plants. Blueberries are an ideal year round addition to the landscape. Soil pH - Blueberries require a lower pH than many other small fruit crops. What Species - Both high bush vaccinium corymbosum and the rabbit eye Vashei types of blueberries can be grown in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont. Since the pH of most Iowa soils is above this range, the soil pH must be lowered to successfully grow blueberries. High bush blueberries are hardy in central and southern Iowa. Half-high blueberries possess greater cold hardiness and are the best choice for gardeners in northern Iowa. For the best chance at success with blueberries, buy your plants already started from a nursery or garden center. Some other things to consider when growing blueberries are, if your soil conditions aren't right for blueberry plants but you still want to add them to your garden, you can grow blueberries in containers with great success. Blueberries prefer full sun, although the plants will tolerate partial shade. The roots of blueberries will suffocate if they remain in water-saturated soil for even a few days. Even though blueberries are considered a bog plant, avoid low-lying locations since they may be poorly drained and prone to frost. Weather your still preparing your ground site or just strapped for room, blueberries do quite well growing in containers. Plant size should determine how large of a container the plant will need to support it. Blueberries establish better, grow more vigorously and yield more fruit if organic matter is incorporated in to the soil prior to planting. I use a lot of pine needles and peat moss when planting blueberries in the ground. There are various categories of blueberries including: low bush, northern high bush, southern high bush, and rabbit eye types. The other critical factor when growing blueberries is your soil. Some growers even use a hundred percent peat moss to grow their blueberries. I prefer planting blueberries in early spring but they can also be planted during the fall. If you have a problem with birds eating the blueberries, set up a framework covered with a protective netting. Am mending the soil with plenty of peat moss during the initial planting will really help. Just keep in mind that the ideal time to plant blueberries is when the plant is dormant, before fruit appears. I hope you these try these tips so you can enjoy growing blueberries in your home. For more tips on gardening to www.Teegoes.org