How to Mulch a Wolfberry

Wolfberries contain significant amounts of a number of important vitamins and minerals.

Wolfberry, also called goji and Chinese wolfberry, grows well in every part of North America. It tolerates extreme heat and cold, drought, high humidity and almost any kind of soil. The shrub bears fruit prized for its high nutritional value and antioxidant properties. Adding mulch around a wolfberry bush helps keep the foliage and the fruit clean, moderates soil temperature, reduces weeds and helps the soil retain moisture. An organic mulch such as leaf mold adds nutrients to the soil as it deteriorates.

Things You'll Need

• Leaf mold or other organic mulch
• Hoe or rake

Instructions

1. Spread a 3-inch layer of mulch under the canopy of the wolfberry bush. It should extend a few inches beyond the reach of the branches.

2. Pull back the mulch from the base of the bush, leaving 4 inches of space.

3. Renew the mulch annually. Rake up the old mulch to loosen it up, and then spread it under the shrub. Add additional mulch to a depth of 3 inches.

Tips & Warnings

• In spring, apply mulch after the soil warms up. In fall, wait until the ground freezes.

• Hilling up the mulch around the trunk of a wolfberry bush creates warm, damp conditions that lead to diseases and insect infestations.

References

• National Gardening Association: Goji Berries!
• University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension: Walworth County Master Gardeners Newsletter; January/February 2011
• "The Homeowner's Complete Tree & Shrub Handbook"; Penelope O'Sullivan; 2007