Thursday 8th January 2009
Blueberries life-enhancing benefits are barely out of the news but, with a price tag that could definitely damage your health, it’s not surprising more of us are growing our own.
And with Marshalls compact blueberry, ideal for patios or gardeners short on space, it's never been easier to create a health-boosting crop just inches from your kitchen. Eaten straight from the bush there is no more delicious or nutrient-packed fruit.
Not only are blueberries delicious, they contain more disease-fighting antioxidants than practically any other fruit or vegetable, even antioxidant-rich foods such as kale, broccoli, and oranges.
The new blueberry ‘Blue Pearl’ is a compact variety but really heavy cropper. In addition to which, with its clusters of spring blossom turning to a blaze of bronze in the autumn, it is one of the garden’s most attractive plants. It really is the perfect choice for growing as a container plant, especially if your garden soil is on the chalky-side
How to grow a blueberry
Step 1
Blueberries make ideal container plants because they require ericaceous (acidic) soil. Use a speciality compost, like Westland John Innes Ericaceous Compost.
Step 2
Choose a pot with the minimum depth of 18in (45cm). Once planted, water with rainwater rather than tap water in dry weather.
Get the blueberry boost -
- The antioxidants in blueberries can protect against the cell damage that accelerates aging, leading to wrinkled skin and increased susceptibility to disease
- Blueberries contain the soluble fibre pectin that helps lower cholesterol levels
- Researchers believe that antioxidants in the fruit may help protect bad cholesterol from oxidation and slow the build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries.
Blue Pearl is available in two sizes. Regular, priced £10.95, comes in a one-litre pot, while the large is available at £13.95, in a two-litre container.
