Goumi Berries & Baby Boxelder Bugs
Last year we planted a new berry called “Goumi“. We were thrilled to see that we already have berries during the second year (one year after we planted them).
Goumis are native to China, Korea and Japan. They look like a more sturdy goji berry but they are not related. (click HERE to read “How To Start Your Own Goji Berry Plant From a Cutting“)
Goumis are larger and better tasting than Gojis. About 10 years ago we started growing Gojis because they are a healthy super-food. Gojis are a little bitter, whereas Goumis are very tart like a sour cherry when bright red and Goumis taste somewhat like pomegranates when they are allowed to ripen to a darker red color. The skin on the Goumi is strange, and they also have a pit. However, I prefer the Goumi and am excited for future recipe experiments in the years to come.
You can see the size of the berry bush in the picture above. The berries are red when ripe and they dangle like Christmas tree ornaments (see picture below).
When I was harvesting some of my Goumi berries, I noticed these tiny bright red bugs (see picture below). I did a little research and found out that they are baby boxelder bugs!! Boxelder bugs mainly eat the sap of trees but they also enjoy fruit juices!!!
I will put diatomaceous earth (a natural organic repellent made from algae) on them to hopefully take care of the problem.
It may not seem like many berries but for only the second year - I am thrilled. Many other berry varieties and/or fruit trees can take five or more years before there is any fruit to harvest.
ENJOY!
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