You can grow goji berries in your home garden instead of buying berries imported from overseas. These vibrant berries are not only a stunning addition to your landscape but also a fantastic source of antioxidants and nutrients. Goji berries grow well in containers or directly in your garden soil, making them versatile and easy to manage.
Goji berries are a great choice for any garden because of their adaptability. They can be pruned as bushes, trained on trellises, or grown in containers. In our video, Tricia demonstrates how to plant goji berries in containers and garden soil.
Soil and Growing Conditions
Goji berries prefer slightly alkaline soil and may struggle in acidic environments. If your soil is acidic, you can amend it with oyster shell flour to raise the pH or grow them in containers filled with neutral potting soil. To determine your soil's pH, use a soil pH testing kit.
Why Grow Goji Berries?
High in antioxidants, goji berries are a healthy addition to your diet. They are also visually appealing, producing purple flowers followed by bright red-orange berries. The goji berry variety we carry is nearly thornless, making harvesting a breeze.
How to Harvest and Preserve Goji Berries
Goji berries are delicious fresh or preserved. Use their sweet-tart flavor to enhance cereals, salads, breads, and muffins. For preservation, drying is one of the best methods. Spread the berries in a single layer in a dehydrator like the Excalibur Dehydrator for even drying. The dried berries can be used as a snack or in cooking, similar to raisins.
Don't Forget the Leaves!
Goji berry leaves are also edible and contain even more antioxidants than the berries. Harvest the leaves before the first frost and use them fresh in stir-fries or salads. They can also be dried and powdered for a nutritious addition to teas or soups.
Bring drought-tolerant goji berries into your home garden and enjoy their beauty and health benefits year-round!