There are many different types of food that we could eat and they provide health benefits for us. We tend to focus on whole foods in that regard, such as fruits and vegetables. One important food that should be included in your diet are blueberries, as they provide many benefits to the human body.
Blueberries can be consumed raw or added to smoothies, pies or even made into a juice. They offer a variety of health benefits, including balancing blood cholesterol, protecting the brain from memory loss, providing plenty of fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K, reducing blood pressure and giving your body a rich source of antioxidants. The best news is, they are not only good for you, it is also possible to grow them at home. Here’s how you do it:
Choose the Right Place
Search for the best spot for your blueberry bush. It needs plenty of soil and lots of sunlight. The sunlight provides what is necessary for photosynthesis, allowing the bush to grow.
If you have a large garden, raised beds are the best choice as it provides proper drainage for the soil. A patio container can be used if you live in a flat.
Provide Enough Space
The bush can get quite large, so allow 6 feet of space for proper growth. If you are growing multiple bushes, space them approximately 3 feet apart.
Time to Get Planting
It is best if you plant the blueberry bush in the spring or fall. Ruffle the roots with your hands and put it in the soil, adding additional soil around them. Pat down the top layer and water to keep it hydrated.
Mulching
It is best if you provide mulch, and sawdust is a great choice. You can also choose acid trip, glass clippings or pine bark. Apply 2-4 wreaths to preserve the moisture and prevent the growth of weeds.
Repeat the mulching process annually. Do not use rinds from Redwood or Cedar saw dust.
Pruning
When you’re bush really starts to take off, it is necessary to prune it regularly. This will allow the branches to grow strong and support healthy growth of the plant. Pruning also avoids over fruiting, so the fruits that do grow will stay large. Remove most of the flower blooms when they first appear and prune any dead branches with scissors.
Eliminate the low growth at the bottom of the bush, chop away short or discoloured branches, clean deadwood and clear half or one third of the wood.
Fertilize
Always opt for an organic fertilizer to prevent the bush from becoming damaged. They are environmentally friendly, non-toxic and work well. Fertilize in early spring when the leaves are first starting to become active. Fertilize a second time when pruning.
If you grow your blueberry bushes this way, you can expect them to produce for up to 50 years. You can also plant different varieties and cross pollinate to increase the yield.
Via: Healthy Food House
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