Goji berries, recognized as a superfood, are popular in home gardens for their nutritional benefits and adaptability. A common concern for gardeners is their susceptibility to deer browsing. Understanding how deer interact with goji plants is important for successful cultivation.
Do Deer Eat Goji Berries
Despite some claims of deer resistance, deer do browse goji berry plants, especially when preferred food sources are scarce or deer populations are high. Goji plants are not truly deer-resistant. Deer typically consume the leaves and young shoots, and sometimes the berries. This browsing can significantly impact young, tender goji plants, making them more vulnerable to damage.
The extent of deer browsing on goji berries can vary based on several factors. Higher local deer populations often lead to increased browsing pressure on available vegetation. Young, newly planted goji bushes are generally more appealing and susceptible to deer damage than established, woody plants. Additionally, limited availability of alternative forage makes deer more likely to browse less preferred plants like goji.
Protecting Goji Berry Plants from Deer
Protecting goji berry plants from deer requires proactive measures, with physical barriers being among the most effective. Installing fencing around individual plants or the entire garden bed can prevent deer from accessing the foliage and fruit. A fence at least 7 to 8 feet high is recommended to deter deer, as they can jump over lower barriers. Netting or sturdy wire mesh cages can also provide localized protection for smaller or newly established goji bushes.
Deer repellents offer another layer of defense, working through taste or scent to deter browsing. Scent-based repellents, containing ingredients like putrefied egg solids or predator urine, create an unpleasant odor that deer avoid. Taste-based repellents, containing capsaicin or other bitter compounds, make the plant unappetizing. These repellents need regular reapplication, especially after rain or new growth, to maintain effectiveness. Combining and rotating different types of repellents can also help prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single deterrent.
Strategic planting can also contribute to protecting goji berries. Locating goji plants closer to your home or in frequently used areas may deter deer due to human presence. Planting goji berries among deer-resistant plants with strong scents or prickly textures might offer some protection, though this method is less reliable than physical barriers. For optimal protection, combining multiple methods, such as fencing with occasional repellent application, often yields the best results against persistent deer populations.
Other Goji Berry Pests and Challenges
Beyond deer, goji berry plants can encounter other common garden pests and challenges that affect their health and productivity. Aphids and spider mites are frequent insect pests that feed on plant sap, potentially causing leaf distortion or discoloration. Gall mites can also affect goji berries, forming galls on leaves. Regular inspection of plants helps identify infestations early, allowing for targeted treatments like insecticidal soap.
Fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, are common issues for goji berry plants, appearing as white, powdery patches on leaves. Powdery mildew can reduce photosynthesis and overall plant vigor, though it usually does not kill the plant. Good air circulation, achieved through proper plant spacing and pruning, helps prevent fungal growth. Root rot can occur in poorly drained soils, emphasizing the importance of well-draining soil conditions for healthy growth.