Blueberries are not only delicious, but considered an antioxidant super-food and one of the healthiest fruits around. While they can be pricey in the supermarket - blueberries are surprisingly easy to grow throughout the U.S. So why not grow your own?

According to Nicholas Staddon, director of new plants for Monrovia, blueberries have been gaining tremendous popularity among home gardeners for many reasons. "Well of course, people love the sweet berries. But they've realized that these shrubs are really beautiful, "he explained. "They have a fantastic array of white to blush-colored flowers in the spring that cascade down in clusters. The satiny foliage changes in the autumn from a pretty green to vivid red and gold." He points out that blueberries are easy to grow, resistant to pests and diseases, and will yield a nice harvest of fruit for several weeks during the summer.

Blueberries don't require much space, and grow very well in containers - especially in oak wine or whiskey barrels. You can put the containers close to the house to make harvesting easier. Just a light pruning once a year, after they stop bearing fruit, and the shrubs will maintain a tidy appearance. They don't have thorns, so they are children and pet-friendly.

If you live in a warmer climate, you'll want to seek out the Southern Highbush and Rabbiteye blueberries. Some great choices are O'Neal, Sunshine Blue, Jubilee and Southmoon. These are extremely tolerant of heat and humidity and don't require a pollinator to produce fruit.

For the colder parts of the country, plant the Northern Highbush varieties, such as Hardy Blue, Patriot, Spartan, Misty, Northblue and Top Hat. These do require a pollinator, meaning that you need to have at least two different varieties with similar bloom times, planted close together.

Staddon says that just four to five blueberry shrubs will give you wonderful harvest of delicious, sweet fruit throughout the summer.

Blueberries do best in full sun, but can grow in dappled shade in the hotter climates. Just make sure the soil is well draining and slightly acidic.

By: Judy Lynes
Member of the Garden Writers Association and PR for Monrovia
For more tips on growing blueberries visit www.monrovia.com.

Featured by Resources For Attorneys, a Legal and Lifestyle information directory.

Visit our Garden Directory.