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Blueberries are one of the most popular and delicious fruits available. Their unique flavor and the healthy advantages it offers are aplenty which is why these are often used for lip smacking sweet fruit pies and jams. Personally, I love to use the blueberries I grow in yogurt and muffins. These can be eaten fresh and are also low in calories.

Blueberries are related to the huckleberries, the azaleas and the rhododendrons. These shrubs grow at least 7 to 8 feet in height and flourish in those areas that have the specific soil required. Most of the time, they require around 3-4 years to start bearing fruit, however this is not always true. There are many advantages to growing blueberries instead of buying them off the shelf. Not only do they taste fresher, but because they are locally-grown, they are better for the environment. All it needs is proper attention and care.

How To Grow Blueberries

Before growing blueberries at your home, you should consider the composition of the soil and the climate in which you live. Also, you can grow 2 or more varieties for the pollination. I have listed a few steps below that you can follow in growing blueberries.

• You need to contact the local store to know the variety you may need to pick before growing blueberries. Planting the blueberries bushes is quite a similar task to planting most shrubs. The variety of the bush matters, as some are quite drought resistant. This would suit a climate that is on the dry side.
• Once you have decided on the kind of blueberry you wish to grow, you need to select the appropriate location in your garden. The bushes require ample sunlight.
• You also need to check the pH level of the soil. This is because the soil used should be suitable for growing blueberries. The most favorable level for the blueberries is 4.5. The soil mixture should at least have an organic mixture of 5%. You can add leaves and manure to the soil.
• The time of the year also matters when you are growing blueberries. This needs to be planted in the spring or during the fall. This is because the soil tends to be more workable during this period. When you plant blueberry bushes, you also need to keep in mind that they should stand at least 4 feet apart. The lowbush varieties can be planted 1-3 feet apart.
• You also need to keep the depth of the mulch at 4″. This will help to retain the moisture for the weeds of the blueberry bushes and also prevent the growth of weeds.
• Adding the fertilizers is also important for growing blueberries. You can fertilize it in the late winter season or the early spring season. You can try an ammonium sulfate fertilizer at least twice in a year.
• Pruning the blueberry bushes may not be required for the initial few years. You may have to cut the oldest shoots so that it promotes the growth of a new shoot. You have to also remove the stalks that have dried up. Also, sometimes, you may need to take care that the branches are not over laden with fruits. You will need to prune the shoots so that they have the right amount of buds on them. There are certain people who believe in removing the flowers in the first year. This is because; it is firmly believed that this would help in the total development of the plant.

There are various categories of blueberries available, and within each category are many types of blueberries. These categories are as follows:

• Highbush Blueberries: These are the ones that are usually available in the local grocery store.
• Lowbush Blueberries: These are also known as the wild blueberries and generally do not grow beyond 18-inches of height.
• Half-high Blueberries: These can withstand heavy snowfall and are a hybrid combination of the two mentioned above.
• Rabbiteye Blueberries: These can face the full sun and are the tallest of the various kinds of blueberries available.

Growing Blueberries in Containers

Blueberries can be grown in containers as well. Due to their shallow root systems, these are suitable for growing in raised bed gardens or flower pots. Of course, it would be wise to plan ahead and grow your blueberry plant in a large pot. The larger the pot, the better chance you have at your plant bearing fruit for years to come. Once you have followed the steps above, the blueberry bush will require minimal care.

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Article written by: K. Lad

As the name suggests, oregano oil is derived from wild oregano plants and the key ingredients which make the oil beneficial are carvacrol and thymol. The extraction of the oil is done through a process, without the use of any chemicals or solvents. Apart from containing carvacrol and thumol, the oil is also rich in potassium, iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium, copper, boron, Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Niacin. Let’s now get to the list of the different oregano oil benefits.

Wild Oregano Oil Benefits

Oregano Oil Benefits for Skin
Treating itches, insect bites, burns, wounds, cuts and skin infections are all included in oregano oil benefits. Acne treatment is also done effectively by the use of this oil. Just dilute the oil with olive oil or coconut oil and dab on the acne using a cotton ball. Psoriasis and eczema can also be improved by the use of this oil.

Oregano Oil Benefits for Digestive Disorders
As mentioned earlier, oregano oil is high in carvacrol and thumol and these two components help in treating upset stomach and also help in the digestion process. This is done by the antioxidant property of the oil, which encourages bile production and hence, proper digestion. Best results are obtained, when the oil is taken with a glass of milk or juice.

Oregano Oil Benefits for Sinus Infection, Cold and Sore Throats
Several natural remedies for sinus infection include, the use of oregano oil. Drink a glass of juice daily mixed with 2 – 3 drops of the oil. A mere period of 3 – 5 days is what is required, after which the improvements can be noticed. When the symptoms of cold and sore throat start cropping up, help yourself with a glass of orange juice mixed with 2 – 3 drops of the oregano oil. The oil curbs the progress of such illnesses and also reduces the symptoms in a few days.

More on medicinal uses of oregano.

Other Oregano Oil Benefits
Oregano oil is an effective pain reliever. People suffering from arthritis, joint pain and tendonitis, can benefit from the use of diluted oregano oil. Other benefits of this oil include:

• Regulating menstrual cycles
• Treating Insect bites
• Treating bronchitis, canker sores, muscle pain and warts
• Prevents cellular damage
• Treating constipation, diarrhea, asthma, athlete’s foot, earaches and dandruff

The reason why I mentioned the use of oregano oil in diluted form is, because if not properly diluted, then upset stomach or abdominal discomfort may occur. Some people might develop some allergic reactions due to the use of oregano oil. The reactions might be skin irritations, rashes or vomiting. Expecting mothers are not advised to make any use of the oil, as the oil tends to reduce the body’s ability to absorb iron. So, those who are the regular users of the oil, must ensure that they also take regular iron supplements. Certain areas of the body such as the genitals’ or that of the mucous membranes or eyes, may feel a burning sensation after the use of the oil. So, make sure that the oil is properly diluted (with olive or coconut oil) before it is used.

In order to reduce the risks of any side effects and get the most of the oregano oil benefits, drink plenty of water. If you are on medications, then it is safe to talk to your doctor regarding the use of the oil, to keep any undesirable interactions from occurring.

Regarding the dosages, 4 – 6 drops of the oil should be mixed with juice, when taken internally. When used topically, 1 – 2 drops should be good enough for treating the affected area, however, it also depends upon the severity. When taken as capsules, 600 mg daily is the requirement. However, the dosages may vary from person to person. So, in order to be certain, get an advise from a doctor, so that, you make the most of the different oregano oil benefits.

Article by: Rajiv Singha