Goji Berry

Climate & Sowing Timing 

Goji berries thrive in most Australian climates but adjust sowing based on your region: 

• Cool Mountain: Sow Oct – Dec. 
• Arid: Sow Aug – Feb.
• Temperate: Sow Jan – Feb or Sept – Dec. 
• Subtropical (e.g., QLD): Sow Jan–Mar or Sept–Dec.
• Tropical: Sow Feb – Sept. 

Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost in cooler zones for stronger seedlings. 

Seed Preparation & Sowing 

 Pretreatment:

• Soak seeds for 24 hours to enhance germination (optional but recommended) . 

 Sowing Depth:

• 8mm in seed trays or directly into the garden. 

 Soil:

• Use a sterile seed raising mix or well-draining soil with pH 6.8–8.1.
• Avoid heavy fertilisers; gojis prefer slightly alkaline, nutrient poor soils. 

 Germination:

• 14–28 days at 20–25°C.
• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. 

Tips for Success: 

• Transplant seedlings outdoors once they reach 5–10cm tall and frost risk has passed. 
• Space plants 2m apart to accommodate their sprawling growth. 

Growing Conditions 

 Sunlight:

• Full sun, minimum 6 hours daily.
• Afternoon shade is beneficial in hot climates. 

 Watering:

• Water deeply when soil is dry 5cm below the surface.
• Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. 

 Fertiliser:

• Not required for mature plants.
• Young seedlings benefit from a balanced feed spring. 

 Pruning:

• Trim dead wood in late autumn or spring.
• Cut back tips in spring to encourage lateral branching and higher yields. 

Harvesting 

 Timing:

• First harvest in 2–3 years.
• Berries ripen 90 – 110 days after flowering.
• Peak production at 3–5 years. 

 Method:

• Harvest deep red berries by gently shaking branches over a sheet.
• Dry in the sun or a dehydrator for storage. 

Companion Planting Guide 

Good Companions: 

• Shrubs: Lavender, rosemary, thyme – drought tolerant, repel pests. 
• Perennials: Ajuga, creeping Jenny – shallow rooted ground covers. 
• Annuals: Nasturtiums, calendula – attract pollinators, suppress weeds. 

Avoid Planting With: 

• Nightshades (tomatoes, peppers): Shared pests/diseases. 
• Brassicas (cabbage, kale): Chemical incompatibility. 

Pest & Disease Management 

 Common Issues: 

• Blossom end rot: Caused by calcium deficiency; maintain consistent watering. 
• Powdery mildew: Improve airflow and avoid wetting leaves. 
• Spider mites: Treat with Eco Oil or wettable sulphur. 
• Wildlife Protection: Use netting to deter birds and possums. 

Container Growing 

 Pot Size:

• Minimum 40L with drainage holes. 

Soil Mix:

• Combine topsoil with perlite/sand for drainage.
• Water daily in summer. 

 Companions in Pots:

• Plant shallow rooted annuals such as sweet alyssum at the base. 

Key Takeaways 

• Goji berries are low maintenance once established but require patience for fruiting. 
• Prioritise well-draining soil, full sun, and strategic pruning. 
• Companion planting enhances growth and reduces pest pressure. 

Site Selection and Soil Preparation

 Sunlight:

• Sweet peas need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. In hotter regions, provide afternoon shade to protect them from scorching.

 Soil:

• They prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly alkaline pH (6.5–7.5). Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.

 Drainage:

• Ensure the soil is not waterlogged, as sweet peas dislike wet feet.

How to Plant Sweet Peas

Seeds:

• Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to improve germination.
• Sow seeds directly into the garden or start them in seed trays.
• Plant seeds 12 mm deep, spacing them 8 cm apart.
• If using seed trays, transplant seedlings when they are 5–7 cm tall.

Support:

Bush varieties:

• Small 1 m canes can be used to provide support, or they can be allowed to tumble for a softer effect.

 Climbing varieties:

• Trellising needs to be set up for support

Watering and Feeding

 Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and temperature.

 Feeding:

• Sweet peas are heavy feeders.
• Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2–3 weeks during the growing season.
• Alternatively, use a slow-release fertiliser at planting time.

Mulching and Weeding

• Apply a layer of mulch (e.g., straw or sugar cane mulch) around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Keep the area weed free to reduce competition for nutrients.

Pest and Disease Management

Sweet peas are relatively pest resistant but can be affected by:

 Aphids:

• Spray with a mild soap solution or use neem oil.

 Powdery Mildew:

• Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Treat with a fungicide if necessary.

 Snails and Slugs:

• Use organic bait or traps to protect young plants.

Pruning and Deadheading

 Pinching:

• Pinch out the growing tip when seedlings are 10–15 cm tall to encourage bushier growth.

 Deadheading:

• Remove spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming.

 Cutting Flowers:

• Harvest flowers frequently for bouquets to encourage more blooms.

Saving Seeds

• Allow some pods to mature and dry on the plant.
• Harvest the pods when they turn brown and brittle.
• Remove the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place for planting next season.

Common Problems and Solutions

 Poor Germination:

• Ensure seeds are soaked before planting and soil is kept moist.

 Yellowing Leaves:

• Often a sign of overwatering or nutrient deficiency.
• Check drainage and fertilise if needed.

 Lack of Flowers:

• This can be due to insufficient sunlight, poor soil fertility, or excessive nitrogen.
• Address these issues to encourage blooming.

Sweet Peas in Pots

• Sweet peas can be grown in pots if space is limited:
• Choose a deep pot (at least 30 cm deep) with good drainage.
• Use a high-quality potting mix enriched with compost.
• Provide a trellis or support for climbing.
• Water and feed regularly, as potted plants dry out faster.

• Companion Planting

Sweet peas grow well with:

 Roses:

• Their climbing habit complements rose bushes.

 Lettuce and Spinach:

• Sweet peas provide shade for these cool season crops.

Avoid planting with:

• Onions or garlic, as they can inhibit growth.