Useful properties of lingonberry and its cultivation in the country
Delicious wild berry lingonberry comes from northern pine forests, traditional medicine has long drawn attention to it as a source of vitamins PP, C, B2, A, B1, trace elements iron, proteins, fats and carbohydrates necessary for humans. Their high capacity in berries explains the beneficial properties of lingonberries.
Used for medicinal purposes, berries, leaves, as well as young shoots of the plant. For treatment are used:
- juice that will help get rid of scurvy
- a decoction of dried and fresh berries, which helps in the treatment of colds and helps to reduce body temperature
- decoction of the leaves treats rheumatism, arthritis, kidneys and bladder
- decoction of twigs in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Considering the extraordinary beneficial properties of lingonberry, back in 1968, Swedish gardeners attempted to domesticate this unique plant. Today, the cultivation of lingonberries in a summer cottage is a very real thing. True, to ensure comfort, this evergreen shrub will have to prepare a special peaty-sandy soil. The plant does not like a large amount of mineral fertilizers, but its yield will increase when the area is mulched with sand or gravel.
Lingonberries can be propagated by cuttings, in which case the crop can be obtained three years after planting the cuttings in the ground. It should be borne in mind that soon the bush will accelerate and in a couple of years it can cover a meter-wide garden.
Lingonberries can be propagated by seeds, but in this case, the harvest will have to wait longer - for 4-5 years.