The cranberry is a berry that grows from a homonymous shrub belonging to the Ericaceae family. It is one of the most recognized fruits for its taste, making it a coveted ingredient in many recipes. However, it also has several health benefits.

Properties of blueberries

Blueberries are very nutritious fruits. Above all, they stand out for their vitamin C content, fiber, potassium, iron, and calcium.

These berries are especially characteristic for their amount of natural pigments with antioxidant actions. A study published by the Journal of Food Science that examined these properties in blueberry extracts highlighted the role of anthocyanins and the phenols they contain.

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In addition to the benefits mentioned above, blueberries carry the following health benefits :

• Potassium benefits the muscular and nervous system’s functioning, as detailed in a publication in the Merck Manual.
• according to a study published in Cell Host & Microbe., Fiber favors the regulation of the intestinal flora
• According to a publication of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology, its vitamin content strengthens the immune system. Hence, diseases are prevented.
• Its antiseptic action is important to fight infections caused by germs. Such property is proven in a study by the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Diseases.

How to grow blueberries at home

There is no doubt that growing blueberries at home is a convenient activity after such an introduction. What steps and considerations should we have in mind to do so? Here are some guidelines for success in this endeavor.

1. The flowerpot

The pot’s type and size will depend on where you start the growing process from. If you start with seeds, you can use a small container; On the other hand, if you already start with a seedling, a small pot is better.

Of course, as it grows, your shrub will need larger pots or, directly, a transplant to the ground. From the third or fourth year, the maximum size you may need is a 60 to 70-liter pot.

2. The soil

Blueberry plants prefer acidic soils, preferably with a pH close to 4.5. Also, a publication of the National Institute of Agrarian Technology of Argentina recommends loose soil, with a level of organic matter between 3% and 5%.

You can uses additives such as compost, sulfur, or peat. To achieve this, Cottonseed meal and pine leaf compost will also help.

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3. Steps to planting blueberries

• First, put a thick napkin in a small container, add a little water, then pour some seeds into it.
• Take with your finger a seed –  careful, they are tiny – and insert it into the ground. Then cover it.
• Water the plant daily and proc try to maintain the right humidity level at all times.
• It would help if you placed the pot in an area with good lighting and protected it from the wind.
• Both in the pots and on the ground, the soil must be removed and loose for adequate oxygenation and proper drainage. of the plant.
• You can make a mulch out of oak or pine branches or leaves after planting them. This will help prevent weeds, conserve moisture, and add acidity to the soil.

4. Special care

Try not to put too many seeds in the same pot since the blueberry plant needs some space to grow properly. Also, the soil should be fairly moist at planting time.

When the plant has grown, you will have to transplant it to a larger pot or directly to the ground. In doing so, the roots have to be thoroughly moistened to prevent them from suffering during this process.

For this reason, we recommend you transfer them to a bucket of water for about 10 minutes before planting them again. Once the replanting is finished, wet the soil where you have placed it.

Finally, remember that to grow blueberries at home, the cold seasons are much more beneficial. It is a plant that adapts very well to mean, even at extreme temperatures; however, they suffer greatly from the heat. Please do not skimp on care now and do not leave them in direct exposure to the sun.

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Try growing blueberries at home!

As you may have noticed, it is not a plant that requires great precautions or demands for its optimal growth. If we also consider its various uses and the health benefits it brings, we can conclude that growing blueberries at home can be a great idea, as well as an excellent hobby. Do you dare to give them a try?