Blueberries – the Blue Super-Berries

"From the end of June, the way is clear again for the healthiest blue berries the fruit stand has to offer: blueberries. Because they're not only incredibly delicious, they also make you beautiful. And the best part: blueberries are very easy to grow in your own garden.

If you want to grow these blue super-berries in your own garden, you should keep a few things in mind so that the blueberries swarm in masses on the branches. But once you've planted them, you'll enjoy the blue berries anew every year."

Blueberries really pack a punch! Not just in terms of taste, but especially because of their ingredients. And there's one that scientists repeatedly mention when talking about blueberries: anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are not only responsible for the blue color of blueberries, but they also have anti-inflammatory effects and help the body break down free radicals. This means blueberries can help slow down the skin's aging process. Some studies even claim blueberries could prevent cancer. Healing effects aside, the fact is: blueberries contain a lot of Vitamin C and E and are slimming. 100 grams of blueberries have a mere 36 calories.

If you want to grow blueberries in your own garden, the best time to do it is in spring or autumn. Blueberries can be bought as container plants, making them easy to plant. Then, the location is key. Blueberries love the sun and should be placed in a sunny spot in the garden. However, it's important that this spot is sheltered from the wind. The sunnier and more sheltered the location, the sweeter your blueberries will be.

These plants prefer acidic soil with a pH value between 4.0 and 5.0. Since garden soils are typically not acidic enough, special soil can be incorporated into the planting hole. Bark, sawdust, or shredded conifer wood can also improve the soil quality for blueberries. If you then avoid waterlogging and the soil drying out, you can look forward to delicious blue super-berries between late June and September.

While blueberries don't like waterlogging, they also don't tolerate drought. If the soil is too dry, the blueberry plants will drop their blossoms and fruit, endangering the harvest. Soft rainwater is best for watering and should ensure consistent soil moisture. If blueberries are kept in pots, they should be repotted every 3 to 5 years.

Blueberries don't require radical pruning. Deciduous blueberries get a shaping trim in spring, while evergreen blueberries are simply thinned out after flowering and freed of dead wood. To ensure a rich harvest, blueberries should be regularly supplied with a special fertilizer. Two fertilizations a year are recommended: the first in early spring and the second after flowering, before the fruits develop.