Ideberries.com - We have heard a lot about goji berry efficacies for health and beauty. The berries are the precious natural elements for our diet. So, it will be a brilliant idea to grow the goji berries in our own garden. However, it will not be an easy matter.
Even when we are succeeded in the starting level of growing berries, we still need to learn a lot. We have to know the right procedure for Goji berry plant care.
Cooking goji berry juices and smoothies will taste the best as we use fresh berries. Therefore, we need to start growing the berries.
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| Photo by Grocycle.com |
We do not have to use much time and a large area of a plantation to start it. The dense nutrient of berries will be right in our kitchen as we have the berry in our garden.
Here are some basic elements to prepare for planting goji berries:
- Goji berry seeds
- Growing media and area. The area should be outdoors or opened pots. Goji berry requires sufficient sun for at least 6 hours a day. It will be good if we can provide 8 hours sun exposure every day.
- Well-drained soil. Also, we need to make sure that the soil is organically rich.
- We will need to wait and take care of the plants for 2-3 years before bearing.
So, indeed it will be the hard work that needs patience. Besides, we will need to use an extra careful treatment before harvesting the precious goji berries.
Goji Berry Seeds
When choosing Goji berry seeds, it's important to select high-quality seeds to increase the chances of successful germination and healthy plant growth. Here are some steps to help you choose Goji berry seeds:
- Research reputable seed suppliers: Look for reliable seed suppliers or nurseries that specialize in selling Goji berry seeds. Check their reputation, customer reviews, and ratings to ensure you are purchasing from a trusted source.
- Opt for certified organic or non-GMO seeds: If you prefer organic or non-genetically modified (non-GMO) seeds, look for suppliers that offer certified organic or non-GMO Goji berry seeds. This ensures that the seeds have been produced without the use of synthetic chemicals or genetic modifications.
- Consider the variety: There are different varieties of Goji berries available, each with its unique characteristics and flavors. Research the various varieties and choose one that suits your preferences and growing conditions. Common varieties include Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense.
- Freshness and viability: Ensure that the Goji berry seeds you choose are fresh and viable. Check the seed packet or supplier's information to determine the seed's viability percentage or shelf life. Fresh seeds have a higher chance of germinating successfully.
- Germination rate: Look for information about the germination rate of the Goji berry seeds. A higher germination rate indicates that a larger percentage of seeds will sprout and grow into healthy plants.
- Packaging and labeling: Check the packaging and labeling of the seeds. The package should be sealed properly to maintain seed freshness. Look for clear labeling that includes the seed variety, germination rate, planting instructions, and any other relevant information.
- Price and quantity: Consider the price and quantity of the seeds. Compare prices from different suppliers while keeping in mind the seed quality and reputation of the supplier. Determine how many seeds you need based on the available space in your garden or desired planting area.
- Additional support: Some suppliers may provide additional support, such as planting instructions, tips, or customer service. Consider choosing a supplier that offers helpful information to assist you in successfully growing Goji berry plants.
By following these steps, you can choose high-quality Goji berry seeds that are more likely to yield healthy plants and a productive harvest.
To Pot or in the Soil?
If we live in warm or hot areas, we can plant the berries directly outdoor. Meanwhile, we can grow the berries in pots if we live in a colder area.
All spaces will be good as long as they have enough sunlight. Besides, we need to be sure that trees, buildings, or fences will not block the sunlight. The berries look beautiful as an ornament.
So, we can even grow them in decorative pots. If we decide to grow the seeds on our lawn, we have to make patches and remove the grass initially.
How to plant the goji berry seeds?
To plant Goji berry seeds, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Gather the necessary materials: You will need the following items: Goji berry seeds, Seed-starting trays or small pots, Seed-starting mix or well-draining potting soil, Watering can or spray bottle, Clear plastic wrap or a seedling tray cover (optional), Prepare the planting containers: Fill the seed-starting trays or small pots with a seed-starting mix or well-draining potting soil. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Sow the seeds: Place 2-3 Goji berry seeds on top of the soil in each container. Press the seeds gently into the soil, ensuring they are covered with a thin layer of soil. Space the seeds about 1-2 inches apart.
- Moisten the soil: Use a watering can or spray bottle to water the soil gently. Ensure the soil remains moist but not overly saturated. Avoid creating puddles or waterlogging the containers.
- Provide warmth and humidity (optional): Goji berry seeds germinate best in warm and humid conditions. If desired, cover the containers with clear plastic wrap or a seedling tray cover to create a mini greenhouse effect. This helps retain moisture and warmth. If you choose not to cover the containers, place them in a warm location with a temperature around 68-77°F (20-25°C).
- Maintain moisture: Check the moisture level of the soil regularly and water as needed to keep it consistently moist. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely or become waterlogged.
- Provide indirect sunlight: Place the containers in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can lead to excessive heat and drying of the soil.
- Germination and seedling care: Goji berry seeds typically take 1-3 weeks to germinate. Once the seedlings emerge, remove the plastic wrap or cover if you used one. Provide them with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily or use grow lights if natural light is limited. Continue to water the seedlings regularly, keeping the soil moist.
- Transplanting: When the seedlings have grown a few inches tall and developed a couple of true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden. Choose a well-draining, sunny location with fertile soil for planting. Space the seedlings about 3-4 feet apart.
- Hardening off: Before transplanting the seedlings outdoors, gradually expose them to outdoor conditions over a period of 7-10 days. Start by placing them in a shaded, protected area for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their exposure to sunlight and outdoor elements.
- Planting in the garden: Dig a hole in the garden soil that is large enough to accommodate the root ball of the seedling. Place the seedling in the hole, backfill with soil, and gently firm the soil around the plant. Water the newly planted seedlings thoroughly.
- Care and maintenance: Continue to water the plants regularly, providing about 1-2 inches of water per week. Mulching around the plants can help conserve moisture and suppress weed growth. Fertilize the plants every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer according to the package instructions.
By following these steps, you can successfully plant Goji berry seeds and nurture them into healthy seedlings and mature plants.
Goji Berry Plant Care
The key to a successful goji berry cultivation is the treatments and care that we provide. For instance, we have to keep the soil rich organically. We can use manure on top of the soil.
Next, we have to be sure that the soil is well-drained. The organic compounds such as compost, vermiculite, and rotted manure are the essential factor of healthy goji berries.
The nutrients of goji berries should be grown naturally. So, we must not use chemical fertilizers. We have to keep it healthy natural while preserving the good conditions of the soil.
Most the time, we get the wrong knowledge in the fertilizer usage. We often believe that we need to use chemical fertilizer for the best harvest. That is not true.
If we can supply the soil with the organic fertilizers, we do not have to use the chemical. Besides, the reason why we need to grow the goji berries at home is that of the organic reason behind it.
So, we have to stick to our basic plan. The priceless nutrients will keep healthy as we avoid using any chemical fertilizers.
If we plant the goji berry seeds in pots, we need to change some of the soil annually. That will keep the seeds healthy.
Important in Goji Berry Plant Care:
- Keep the berry plantation with diversity of plants to avoid pests
- Establish moist soil by giving mulch around the planting beds
- Water the goji berries every day. The seeds like water but we have to make sure that soil drainages well.