Goji berries are having a major moment right now. They’ve earned a reputation as a “superfood” powerhouse, but because they usually travel halfway across the world to get to us, we mostly find them dried in bags at the health food store. But here’s the cool part: you can actually grow your own goji berries right in your backyard!
The Perks of Growing Your Own Goji Berries
There’s no doubt that the fruit of the wolfberry (that’s the goji’s official name) is packed with nutrients. However, imported berries are often flagged for being treated with pesticides or containing nasty pollutants. Nobody wants those chemicals on their breakfast, which is why store-bought gojis have faced some criticism lately. When you buy them, you don’t really have control over how they were grown.
By growing your own, you skip the mystery chemicals entirely. Plus, you get the chance to eat them fresh—something you rarely find in stores! Let’s be honest, those little bags of dried berries are pricey, too. Growing your own is a total budget-saver. Once your plants are established and happy, you’ll get a massive harvest, meaning you can finally cross those expensive snack packs off your grocery list.
How to Plant Your Goji Berries
The best time to get your young plants in the ground is during the spring. This gives them a full growing season to establish a strong root system before the cold hits. While mature shrubs are incredibly winter hardy and can handle temperatures as low as -13°F (-25°C) without breaking a sweat, younger plants and those in containers will need a little extra protection during their first few winters.
One thing to keep in mind: if your gojis are happy, they grow *fast*. To keep them from taking over your garden, you’ll definitely want to stay on top of regular pruning.
What to Do With Your Harvest
Once your plants hit their third year, get ready for a bumper crop! You’ll likely have way more berries than you can eat in one sitting, so you’ll need a plan to save them. You can dry them out, pop them in the freezer, or even juice them. Fresh goji berries are super versatile and make a great addition to:
- Soups
- Salads
- Smoothie bowls and oatmeal
- Homemade bread recipes
