Did you know that you ’re able to grow your very own goji berries , those vibrant and nutrient - rich gems from the Himalayas and China ?
That ’s right , goji berries grow on recurrent shrubs that can be easy turn in our region . These super berries , also known as wolfberries , are renowned for their health benefits and angelic - lemony flavor .
Just imagine having a supply of these superfoods right in your backyard !
In this clause , we are travel to unlock the secrets to successfully cultivating goji berries in your own garden . Stay tuned for more information . 🌿
Where To Grow Goji Berries
Since we know that these delicious berries arise from arid area of East Asia , it ’s easy to provide them with alike growing conditions . Dry , waterless climate are all they need for proper growth .
Goji berry boom in full sun , but you may provide them with some afternoon shadiness if you live in areas with extremely hot summers . The shade wo n’t assist with fruiting , but it will cut down heat stress and leaf singe .
Thisgorgeous shrubis generally drought - tolerant and can adapt to different dirt types , although you should pay attention to the soil ’s pH. It ’s better to keep thepH degree between 6.5 to 8.0 .
Goji shrubs grow best in sandy soils that are also well - draining , but they can generally grow in different soils . However , they wo n’t set as much fruit as they normally would .
corroborate that you have enough infinite for your goji – they have sprawling growth habits and can reach up to 8 feet tall .
When And How To Grow Them
When to grow goji berry depends on the hardiness geographical zone that you live in . Gardeners that live inUSDA hardiness zones 5 through 9have the better opportunity of successfully turn goji berries .
Keep in head that they require hot , dry , and comparatively long summers so that they receive maximum heat and light . The ideal planting time for goji berries is betweenlate summer and fall .
When planting them in fall , do so a few week before the first frost date . guarantee to protect young shrubs from cold temperatures . If your winter get cold , see bringing your goji shrub indoors .
Goji berries areself - pollinate plants , so you do n’t have to worry about pollinators . Still , it ’s possible to introduce some companion plant that will boost each other ’s growth . Some of them include tomato , raspberries , tomatillos , grape , and blueberry .
If you are interested in tomato companion plant , say : The better Companion Plants For Tomatoes & Which Ones To debar
How To Plant Goji Berries
If you have calculate out when to plant your berries , it ’s clip to prepare the soil for them . We have already mentioned that these are relatively resilient ; nonetheless , fix the soil will give immature plants a good start .
For instance , you could add some fish bone , well - rotted manure or some other organic material toimprove the soil ’s birthrate . Loose dirt is prefer as it will let the roots turn and spread . retrieve to take over the area a few week before plant .
get down by digging a hole in the ground that is about the same depth , and almost twice as wide , as the tree diagram ’s root ball . You should add a small amount ofslow - liberation fertilizerto the bottom of the golf hole .
Before you put the plant in , loosen up the root . Then , put the plant in the hole and cover it with soil . If you are plant more than one goji shrub , verify to leave 6 to 8 feet between them .
Water thoroughlyand do n’t let the soil dry out wholly for the first few weeks after planting . Be patient and give your new goji plants some time to adapt to their new environment .
Do n’t worry if it takes a few week for new growth to appear ; it take some time for their tap root to perforate the world .
Also read:6 tip For Starting New Raspberry Canes For A Bountiful Harvest
How To Take Care Of Goji Berries
Once you ’ve planted your goji shrubs , it ’s quite easy to take care of them afterwards . You should pay close attention to sunshine , hydration , and heat .
This is especially important during the first twelvemonth of growing – immature plants need consistent moisturebut ensure not to overwater them . I would suggest you water them well during dry spells , but do so less when the soil retain wet .
Avoid get the leaves wet so as to reduce the risk of fungal disease . Once these shrubs are established , they are comparatively tolerant to drought .
It ’s important to fertilise your goji shrubs decently . They still necessitate nutrients to produce those delightful berries – a balanced organic fertilizerin the spring is more than enough to promote fruit .
However , you ’re able to also apply another slow - release fertilizer in the fall as well . Do n’t use anything above a 15 - 15 - 15 because these would give your plants more nutrients than they need . This lead to overfertilization , which can cause stunted growing and yellow leaves .
I would also recommend you toadd mulchin the springtime and once again in the fall – this will help with moisture keeping and protect the plant ’s roots from utmost weather conditions .
We have mentioned already that these shrubs have a sprawling growth habit , so with the intent of encourage upright growing and keep branches off the ground , use trellises or stake .
How To Grow Goji Berries In Containers
Container gardeningis always a good option if you do n’t have enough infinite in your garden . Although it might be tricky to put these shrubs in container , it does n’t intend that it is not potential .
They adapt to their environments , so the shrub and fruits may not be as fecund as they would be in the ground because their growth is restrict . The first thing you should do is geta large container that has drainage holes in the bottom .
Plant your goji in full - caliber potting soil ( you ’re able to also add some grit or perlite to better drainage ) . irrigate the works instantly after planting , but also continuously as the plant turn .
confirm that the soil never dry out wholly , but also be careful not to overwater it – simply irrigate the plant once the top few inch of the soil experience dry .
Since they are turn in pots , there are no other sources of nutrients besides what you give to them ; therefore , you should give thema liquid - establish fertiliser once a monthduring the growing time of year .
Remember that these plant like sunshine and warmth , so keep them outside during the summer and during the winter months , you may keep them in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill .
This video might be helpful : https://www.youtube.com / watch?v = eyDOX7xXIE4
Common Problems With Goji Berries
If you do n’t supply your goji berries with proper turn conditions , lots of issue might occur that will completely destroy the plant . For case , bad air circulation and humidity fluctuation lead topowdery mildew and other fungal diseases .
These might be treated with fungicide or neem oil , though you might not have as much luck when it come to root rot .
Pests likeaphids and goji gall mitesoften munch on plants like this . If you see any affected leaves , immediately inspect them for pest infestation . Treat these with pesticides or neem oil . you could also introduce predatory insects like ladybug and lacewing .
