What you need to know: blueberries - planting dates

The timing of blueberry planting largely depends on the choice of planting material and the climatic conditions of the region. In the Northern regions, planting blueberries is preferable in the spring. This is especially true for young seedlings. This will give the plants the opportunity to get stronger, take root well in a new place and fully develop.

Spring planting is carried out in early spring before the buds swell. You can plant annual or biennial seedlings with a closed root system. Before planting, the roots can be placed in water so that they are freed from the earthen clod and straightened out. There is no need to pull out the plant or cut the container - this can damage the sensitive root system.

The planting pit is prepared in advance with a depth of up to 60 cm. The pit is filled with a mixture of peat, pine needles and sand. After planting, the soil is watered and mulched. In annual seedlings, it is necessary to cut off weak branches and shorten healthy ones. Older plants do not need to be pruned.

Autumn planting is carried out in warm climates, when the risk of the plant freezing is minimal. The rules for planting do not differ from spring planting, but it must be started before the winter cold. An important role is played by the soil, which must have high acidity. The pH of such soil ranges from 3.5 to 5.5. Proper planting and high-quality soil will ensure good development of the plant.

Blueberries - planting and care in the Moscow region

Planting blueberries in the Moscow region and caring for this valuable berry became possible thanks to the work of breeders. Blueberries are naturally widespread in northern latitudes and can withstand harsh winters with low temperatures. Thanks to the variety of varieties, this shrub can be grown in central Russia and even in the south.

Blueberries are planted in spring or autumn in a well-lit area, treated to remove excess weeds. The plant needs fertile acidic soil. A peat substrate with pine needles and sawdust is ideal. After planting, the plant is watered and the soil is mulched.

The root system of blueberries is fibrous and grows well in breadth. Despite the fact that the shrub loves water, there is no need to try to plant in places where groundwater is close to the soil surface. Modern varieties tolerate excess moisture much more easily than its lack. Watering is carried out every two weeks. If it is necessary to acidify the soil, you can add 20 g of citric or malic acid diluted in 5 liters of water to the water. One bucket should be used per plant.

The soil is loosened and weeded regularly, which allows you to get rid of weeds and enrich the soil with oxygen. When loosening, it is necessary to cultivate only the top layer of soil up to 10 cm, since the blueberry roots are close to the surface.

In spring, after planting, mineral fertilizers are used in small quantities. They are designed to stimulate growth and replenish missing elements. This is especially important if the plant looks lethargic and weak after planting. Potassium, magnesium, and zinc are used for feeding. Superphosphate has a good effect. Feeding can be repeated at the beginning of summer. Organic fertilizers are incompatible with blueberries because they change the acidity of the soil.

Blueberries are pruned in spring. In this case, weak, damaged and diseased branches are removed. At the same time, it is necessary to monitor the degree of crown density by thinning out some areas.

Blueberries also need timely preventive measures against diseases and pests. And if treatment is necessary, special drugs are used.

In winter, some varieties may need additional shelter, since snowless winters can provoke freezing of branches. For shelter, burlap or spruce branches are used - any material that allows air to pass through.

The best varieties of blueberries for the Moscow region are: Bluecrop, Patriot, Northland, Northblue. All of them have a long shelf life, a pleasant dessert taste and good frost resistance.

Chemical composition of blueberries

The chemical composition of blueberries is several times higher than that of currants or blueberries. Blueberries contain vitamins such as: C, E, B, A, K, P and others. The berries contain up to 8% healthy sugars, organic acids: citric, malic, acetic, etc. Blueberries are rich in fiber, pectin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, sodium, and iron. 100 grams of blueberries contain: 1 g protein, 8 g carbohydrates, 0.5 g fat. The rest is water. Due to their dietary composition, blueberries are included in the diet of people following a therapeutic or preventive diet. It contains no more than 39 kcal.

Blueberries are useful both for the prevention of diseases and for their treatment. It is indicated for improper bowel function, to improve the functioning of the abdominal and pelvic organs. Blueberries are indispensable for colds, anemia, and hypertension. The berry is useful for improving cardiovascular activity and the nervous system.

Decoctions and infusions of blueberry leaves and berries are used for treatment. Blueberries are used to prepare drinks, dessert dishes, canning and baking.

Jersey blueberries - cultivation

Growing Jersey blueberries is suitable for different climate conditions. The shrub does not require care and can grow in various types of soil. It withstands frost well and is resistant to many diseases. Jersey blueberry is a tall shrub up to 2 m with large light green leaves. The yield of the bush is up to 6 kg. The berries are blue, round in shape and of different sizes, but not more than 16 cm. The taste characteristics of the berries are high. The berries are well stored and suitable for long-term transportation.

Growing Jersey blueberries does not require any special skills. The shrub grows well in light acidic soils. Peat, sand and sandy loam substrates are suitable for it.

The first time after planting, the plant will need abundant watering. Young seedlings are especially sensitive to soil temperature. It should be within 18-20°. After rooting, watering can be reduced, but continue to keep the soil moist.

Blueberries respond well to fertilizing, which is carried out in the spring. It is better to use special complex fertilizers. The soil must be regularly hilled, weeded and mulched. You can use pine sawdust as mulch.

To avoid thickening of the crown in spring, old and damaged branches are pruned. The bush also needs to be treated for diseases.

In order for all cultivation methods to bring more results, you need to take care of the planting material. Seedlings purchased from the nursery have the greatest resistance to disease. Such plants are healthier and take root better on the site.

Blueberries - properties for the skin

The properties of blueberries for the skin are extensive - the berries are suitable for both young and aging skin. The content of organic acids and microelements in them allows you to fight age-related changes, strengthen skin tone and restore its elasticity. Blueberries are used for very dry skin as nutrition and hydration. For these purposes, berry juice is mixed with various serums, emulsions and creams.

Berry masks, scrubs and lotions will have a good effect. The components contained in blueberries protect the skin from solar radiation and free radicals. Berries can be used for cleansing and whitening effects. They also repair damage, relieve inflammation, strengthen the skin and smooth out fine lines.

Blueberries will also be useful for oily skin, as well as acne-prone skin.

You can use berries for cosmetic purposes both in their pure form and when added to various products for daily use.

Masks with pureed blueberries with the addition of sour cream, olive oil and lemon juice are effective. This mask will restore elasticity to the skin and have a rejuvenating effect.