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Researchers have proved that a serving of fresh blueberries provides more antioxidants than many other fresh fruits and vegetables. For that reason, many home gardens now have a space set aside for blueberry bushes. Blueberries are called superfruits because of their abundance of nutrients and antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect against the damaging effects of free radicals and the chronic diseases associated with aging. One cup of Blueberries are good for home gardens since they require small space. Blueberries are a popular fruit because of their unusual flavor, small edible seeds and ease of preparation. They can be eaten fresh or used for jelly, jam, pies or pastries. The fruit is low in calories and sodium, contains no cholesterol, and is a source of fiber. Lavalette Nursery offers a variety of blueberry plants -- including Patriot, Bluejay, Elliott and Northsky -- as well as many other fruits and vegetables for your home garden.
To guarantee your soil is optimum for blueberry production, test the soil and adjust soil pH to 4.5 to 5.0 before planting. Soil test kits may be obtained from local Extension offices, which will provide detailed instructions for amending your soil. To plant, dig a hole 18 inches deep and 18 inches wide and mix 1 cubic foot of peat moss with topsoil until the hole is filled up about 4 inches from the top. Put the plant in the hole and cover the roots with the remaining mixture. Plants should be 5 feet apart with rows 10 feet apart. Apply a mulch of 4 inches deep of sawdust or peat moss to control weeds, conserve moisture, and keep roots cool. Replenish mulch as needed. Blueberries require regular pruning to produce high yields and large fruit. Pruning is best done when the plants are dormant. Spring pruning is preferred in order to remove canes injured during the winter.
Harvest may begin in early July and extend into September, depending on the variety, weather and location. To pick, gently roll the berries between your thumb and forefinger, removing fully ripe berries and leaving unripe berries for the next picking. For more information about growing blueberries, visit
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blueberries contains 14 mg of Vitamin C and 0.8 mg Vitamin E. Blueberries contain ellagic acid, which has inhibited cancer in laboratory studies. Blueberry juice also helps to prevent urinary tract infections.
Blueberries, which are native only to North America, require full sun, acidic soil and plenty of moisture. The easiest method is to grow plants on raised beds, 4 feet wide and 9 inches high for better water drainage. Blueberry bushes have very shallow root systems and are very sensitive to drought. They need at least 1 to 2 inches of water per week. 
Blueberry plants begin to produce fruit in the third season but do not become fully productive for about six years. Lavalette Nursery has a large selection of 3- and 5-year-old plants.