Goji berries benefit from the support of a trellis. While goji berry plants have a naturally upright growth habit, they can become sprawling if not properly trained and supported. By providing a trellis, you can help the plants grow with a more upright posture, making it easier to harvest the berries and ensuring good airflow around the plant.
When it comes to setting up a trellis for goji berries, there are a few options you can consider. One option is to tie the strongest looking new canes to short wooden stakes. This can be done by gently wrapping a soft tie, such as garden twine or plant tape, around the canes and securing them to the stakes. This method allows the canes to grow vertically and prevents them from flopping over.
Another option is to train the goji berry plants along a bit of fencing, similar to how you would grow raspberries. This can be especially useful if you have a larger planting area or want to grow multiple goji berry plants. Simply attach the canes to the fencing using ties or clips at regular intervals, ensuring that they are securely fastened but not too tight to avoid damaging the plants.
When setting up the trellis, it’s important to consider the size and strength of the canes. Choose the strongest and healthiest canes to train and support, as these will be the ones that will produce the most berries. Avoid tying or training weak or damaged canes, as they may not be able to support the weight of the fruit.
In my personal experience, I have found that providing a trellis for goji berries has greatly improved the overall health and productivity of the plants. Before using a trellis, my goji berry plants tended to sprawl and the berries were often hidden amongst the foliage, making it difficult to harvest. Since implementing the trellis system, I have noticed that the plants grow more upright, allowing for easier access to the berries and better airflow, which helps prevent disease and pests.
While goji berries can grow without a trellis, providing one will ensure that the plants grow with an upright posture, making for easier harvesting and improved airflow. Whether you choose to use short wooden stakes or a fencing system, the trellis will help support the canes and maximize the productivity of your goji berry plants.
