Growing Blueberries

Grow Your Own Blueberries

Blueberries are very easy to grow. Blueberries can be successfully grown in the ground if you're soil is acid, or in pots in ericaceous compost.Not only are blueberries very productive, they also provide an ornamental feature because of their glorious autumn colours. The fruit is delicious and extremely high in antioxidants, so many people regard it as a ‘super fruit’. They can be grown in the garden, but also make very popular container fruits.Plant in moist, well-drained, acidic soil in a sunny, sheltered spot. While blueberries are tolerant of shade, better crops (and autumn colour) are obtained in the sun.Blueberries are very fussy about soil acidity, and they will not grow well if planted in the wrong type of soil.

Growing In Containers

• If growing in a container, choose one that is at least 30cm (12in) in diameter for young plants, then move into a 45-50cm (18-20in) container when it is outgrows the first one.
• When planting, place some crocks (small pieces of broken concrete, clay pots, or polystyrene) in the bottom of the containers to help retain moisture. 
• You must use an ericaceous compost in containers for blueberries. You can buy this at all garden centres and some DIY centres.

Growing Tips

• Plant in moist, well-drained, acidic soil in a sunny, sheltered spot. While blueberries are tolerant of shade, better crops (and autumn colour) are obtained in the sun.
• Blueberries are very fussy about soil acidity, and they will not grow well if planted in the wrong type of soil. Soil acidity can be measured by a pH meter, which you can buy from DIY stores, or garden centres. The pH of your soil needs to be pH5.5 or lower for blueberries to thrive. If your soil is higher than this, you can lower the pH by adding sulphur chips.
• If your pH is higher than 8 best to plant blueberries in a container.
• If growing blueberries in garden soil, add plenty of bulky, acidic organic matter such as pine needles or composted conifer clippings. Avoid well-rotted farmyard manure as this is too rich for the plants and will scorch their fine, fibrous roots.

Harvesting and Storage

• Fruits start to ripen from mid-summer onwards, changing colour from green to dusty blue. At this point they can be harvested.
• Pick over the plants several times as not all the fruit ripens at the same time.
• The fruit can be eaten fresh; alternatively, they can be dried, frozen, made into preserves, or used in cooking. They are extremely rich in antioxidants and vitamins (especially vitamin C) so have many health benefits.

Few Uses of Blueberries

• Blueberries are best had in their raw form
• Frozen berries may be added to your breakfast shake to make it more zingy and lip smacking
• Dried berries can be added to the dull breakfast cereal to pep it up
• Blueberries added in yogurt and then frozen make an excellent low fat dessert. It can be topped with crystallized ginger for best results
• Blueberry jams, muffins, pies are the a favourite among people of all ages alike. They can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Health Benefits Of Blueberries

• Blueberries are one of the richest sources of antioxidants. The antioxidants play a pivotal role in keeping our body healthy and young. They help fight free radicals of the body, which damage the cells of the body as we grow older. They may also result in the degeneration of the DNA. Blueberries provide protection against the same
• These berries are rich in an anti-cancer agent, several, which helps combat the fatal disease.
• They contain chemicals that are believed to decrease the growth of cervical and breast cancer cells by a considerable percentage
• Research has confirmed that blueberries not only slow the aging process but also reverse it
• Various experiments conducted have also indicated that eating blueberries improves short term memory loss and improves balance and coordination
• A compound found in blueberries called the pterostilbene, has been found to develop into a nutraceutical for lowering cholesterol
• If consumed regularly, these berries have shown to improve night time vision and promote quicker adjustment to darkness and faster restoration of visual acuity after exposure to glare
• They are also beneficial in reducing effects of age related conditions such as Alzheimer's or Dementia.
• These wonder berries provide respite against both diarrhea and constipation
• They are rich sources of soluble and insoluble fiber and contain tannins, which act as astringents in the digestive system to reduce inflammation
• Regularly consuming blueberries helps in fighting urinary tract infections.

Fresh Blueberry Dessert Bruschetta Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1 Tablespoon water
• 1/2 (17.3-ounce) package Puff Pastry sheets (1 sheet), thawed
• 2 Tablespoons granulated white sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 Tablespoons whipping cream + more, as needed
• 1 cup fresh blueberries, rinsed and patted dry
• small fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Directions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Beat egg and water in a small bowl with a fork.
• Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Brush the pastry with the egg mixture. Sprinkle with the sugar-cinnamon mixture to within 1/2-inch of the edge. Starting at a long side, roll up like a jelly roll. Press the seam to seal. Cut pastry roll into 20 (1/2-inch) slices. Place the slices, cut-side down, onto 2 baking sheets.
• Bake for 15 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown. Gently flatten the hot pastries with a spatula. Let cool completely on baking sheets on wire racks.
•  In a medium bowl, use electric mixer to combine cream cheese, lemon juice and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth. 
• Add whipping cream to thin out the mixture. Mix until creamy and well-combined. Add additional whipping cream, if needed, to create a spreadable consistency.
• Assemble dessert bites: Spread a Tablespoon of the sweetened cream cheese mixture onto each of the baked puff pastry rounds. Top with fresh blueberries. Garnish with mint, if desired. Serve immediately.