If I were to single out any fruits rapid rise to popularity the last few years, it would have to be the Blueberry. I was visiting a vendor in Abbotsford, BC, Canada about a month ago and I remarked about all the blueberry fields in the area. The person we were riding with said when a market is "hot" growers respond. With all the positive news regarding the health benefits of eating blueberries, it's no surprise to see the prices of blueberries rise with their popularity in our grocery stores.

While the blueberry is an excellent source of vitamin C, is low in calories (40 per 1/2 cup) and are packed with antioxidants, that doesn't mean you have to break into your piggy bank to buy this delicious and healthy fruit. Why not grow them in your own backyard? I believe I will approach my mother-in-law about the possibility of using her backyard as ours is pretty full. 

From the research I have done, there are a few key elements to being successful when growing blueberries:

• Blueberries like acidic soil so you need to test your soils for Ph levels and possibly make soil amendments from your test results. Here is a great link to soil preferences and plant information: http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1422.html
• Blueberries have a shallow root system and need at least 1 - 1/2 inches of water a week.
• Mulch your plants at least 3 inches deep.
• Cover your crop with netting when it starts to ripen, birds like blueberries to.
• The first years' flower buds should be removed; year two will yield some berries but the following years you will be rewarded with abundant berries.

It's going to take a few years but I can't wait to pick my own blueberries and maybe try making a pie!