Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
are planting into the soil beds, however, leave about 1 metre between bushes.
Left to themselves, they can grow into thick bushes 2-3 metres tall and put out
vines that reach even further. Regular pruning is therefore required to form them
into smaller, compact bushes that will produce loads of berries.
Goji berry plants should not be allowed to get dry, especially in their first year.
It's better to give a heavy watering on a weekly basis rather than a light sprinkle
every day or so.
The plants should be cut back each year in spring just as growth begins. This will
encourage a dense habit, and some of the cuttings can be rooted for new plants.
Harvesting and storage
The first fruit is produced in the autumn of the year following sowing and every
year thereafter, as the small white and/or purple flowers die back. Berry produc-
tion is then continuous until stopped by the first frosts. Each year the plant will
produce more berries, so don't be disappointed if your first harvest isn't as big as
you were hoping. The next one should be better.
If handled too much, the berries oxidise and turn black, so they are often shaken
from the plant rather than being picked. They can be eaten either fresh or dried.
Problems
Goji gall mites, introduced on infected plants. These can spread to peppers,
aubergines and more - so make sure that your plants have been through the
appropriate DEFRA inspection before you buy. Otherwise, in the UK they are
remarkably disease- and pest-free.
Grapes
Varieties:
'Black Hamburg' (black dessert grape), 'Chasellas' (green dessert
grape)
Can we grow grapes in the UK? The answer to that question is at Hampton Court,
home to the 'Great Vine', the oldest and biggest grapevine in the world. Planted
in 1768 by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, the creator of so many of the landscapes
surrounding our nation's stately homes, it's still going strong and annually pro-
vides around 600lb of delicious dessert grapes. If you visit at the right time of
