My First Outdoor Plant

I planted my first outdoor plant about two weeks ago (in my row-house backyard). It's a little Goji Berry tree. Only about a foot tall for now, but I've seen new leaves, so I think it's still alive. They say it should grow to 8-10 feet. Amazing what some good dirt, a little mulch, water, and sunlight can do. Not exactly a food forest, but it's a start.

Hi Geoffrey,

Welcome to Permies.

That's one healthy goji bush you have. Big box stores sell bare root plants in the spring but it's much better to have one planted in the fall to get established. Goji can tolerate poor soil yet it certainly grows stronger and produces more with fertile soil. You are going to see it several times bigger next year and maybe even be able to get some berries.

That's good to hear. I hoped fall was the right time to plant it. I look forward to seeing it grow over the next year or two.

Geoffrey Taylor wrote:I planted my first outdoor plant about two weeks ago (in my row-house backyard). It's a little Goji Berry tree. Only about a foot tall for now, but I've seen new leaves, so I think it's still alive. They say it should grow to 8-10 feet. Amazing what some good dirt, a little mulch, water, and sunlight can do. Not exactly a food forest, but it's a start.

Welcome to Permies!

Best of success to you and your budding food forest, Geoffrey!

Welcome, Geoffrey!

You do realize this is the start of a lifelong obsession, right?  

That looks like a great start to a guild.  I would plant some herbs and pollinator-attracting plants around it as soon as you get a chance.

Thanks everyone! This will probably lead to many more plants and homesteader pursuits in the future.

A little bit off topic but I can't help noticing the giant pokeweed along the fence. Do you use it for anything?

May Lotito wrote:A little bit off topic but I can't help noticing the giant pokeweed along the fence. Do you use it for anything?

Nope, I didn't even know what that was. It's growing between the fences until it spills over onto my side.