Growing Blueberries in the Home Orchard
Blueberries Are Rich in Anti-oxidants and Easy to Grow
According to the US Highbush Blueberry Council, antioxidants found in blueberries help protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals and the chronic diseases associated with the aging process. Blueberries contain many naturally occurring antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E. Blueberries contain 14 mg of Vitamin C and 0.8 mg Vitamin E per 1 cup of blueberries. In addition, blueberries contain anthocyanins and phenolics that also act as antioxidants.
Based on data from the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (Boston, MA), blueberries are among the fruits with the highest antioxidant activity. Using a test called ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), researchers have shown that a serving of fresh blueberries provides more antioxidant activity than many other fresh fruits and vegetables. Scientists have discovered many health benefits from eating blueberries. They are one of the richest sources of antioxidants of the fruits and vegetables that have been studied. Antioxidants are responsible in part for keeping us healthy and young. They help fight cell damaging "free radicals". Free radicals are unstable substances that our bodies produce as we get older. They damage human cells and our DNA. US scientists have shown that the antioxidants contained in Blueberries help to slow the ageing process, reduce the risk of cancer, and decrease the growth of cervical and breast cancer cells by a considerable percentage.
Choosing the Correct Species to Grow
There are two native species and one hybrid species of blueberries that are commonly grown in North America: Northern Highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum); Southern Highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum hybrids); and Rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium ashei). Your climate and hardiness zone will determine which species is best for your garden. Let’s take a closer look at each one to determine which is best for you.
Rabbiteye Varieties: Native to the southern areas of the United States, Rabbiteyes lengthen out the picking season into August. At least two varieties are needed for cross-pollination. Zones 7-10. Varieties include: Powder Blue, Tifblue, Climax, and Premier.
Southern Highbush: A cross of Northern Highbush with Rabbiteye. They will withstand lower winter temperatures and high summer heat. This group can self-pollinate, but planting at least two varieties for cross-pollination will produce a larger, better crop. Zones 6-10. Varieties include: Misty, O’Neal, Ozarkblue, and Star.
Northern Highbush: For northern climates. Cannot tolerate hot, humid summers. These shrubs are self-pollinating, but again will set a larger, better crop when two varieties are planted. Zones 4-7a. Varieties include: Bluecrop, Blueray, Jersey, and Patriot.
Selecting and Preparing a Planting Site
Choose a site with full sunlight and protection from strong winds. Avoid low areas with poor drainage; blueberries prefer a well-drained, sandy loam soil, rich in organic matter. Heavy clay soils should be avoided, but may be made more suitable for blueberries by adding organic matter such as compost, rotted or aged manure, and/or rotted leaves. Exposed areas that are prone to early frosts can reduce yields because blueberries bloom early and are subject to early freezes that may kill the blooms. Have your soil tested to determine its pH and fertility status and follow the recommendations of your soil test results. Unlike many other garden crops, blueberries require a relatively acidic soil for good growth. The soil pH should be within the range of 4.5 to 5.2.
Of all the different types of edible plants you can grow in your yard, blueberries are among the easiest and carefree because they are not plagued by the insects and diseases that attack other types of fruiting plants. You can expect your plants to begin giving you large crops within 3 to 4 years of planting. Use them in fruit smoothies, pancakes, fruit salad, on cereal, and store extras in freezer bags.
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