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Tips On Growing Ginger Rhizomes

By Douglas Wagner


Fresh ginger is a popular culinary ingredient which has many uses in the kitchen. It has also been widely used as a herbal medicine for many centuries and people are continuing to discover more medicinal uses today. The roots of the plants grow from the ginger rhizomes as well as the shoots growing above the ground. It can be very satisfying to grow and harvest your own.

This plant does not survive if it is exposed to frost. It loves warm weather but should not get more than two to five hours of direct sunlight or strong winds. Plant it in partial shade and make sure that the soil is rich and drains well. Waterlogged soil will make it rot. Start by choosing some roots from the grocery store. Make sure they have eyes or small points at the end of the fingers. These are the buds from which the plant grows. An organic product is best because it is not treated with any growth-inhibitors.

The plant thrives on high quality soil. Use a mix of one part good compost to one part of sandy garden soil. The compost gives nutrition to the plant and retains water. The sand makes sure it drains freely. Turn the mix into the soil with a spade. In cases of heavy soil, it is better to make a ridge or raise the bed to improve drainage.

Cut the fresh root into two inch sections. Each of these sections with one or two eyes or buds can grow into a separate plant. Before planting, it is suggested to let the root lie for a day or two. This is to give the cuts time to seal over and prevent rot.

The best time to plant is in early spring so as to take advantage of of the heat of spring and summer. A crop can take up to ten months to develop so patience is needed. Plant five to ten centimeters deep and about 30 centimeters apart. This is because plants need space to grow. As long as the soil is moist and warm, germination should occur.

Water the bed after planting but just enough so that the soil does not dry out. Once the leaves are visible, water a couple of times a week. Reduce the amount of water immediately if soil becomes a bit soggy. Spray or mist regularly if air is particularly dry. The plant continues to grow until it reaches two or three feet in height.

As leaves start to die back, reduce water and allow the soil to dry. When the stems turn yellow and die as the temperature gets colder, stop watering altogether. Allow the plant to mature before harvesting as this develops the flavor. A plant needs a good eight months after planting before harvesting. Cutting off pieces for use in the kitchen does not kill a plant, as long as some eyes are left.

Replant the roots and spread mulch over the bed to insulate them and offer protection in cold winter weather. Mulch helps feed the plant as it breaks down. Resisting the urge to harvest for a year or two will allow a good resource stock be built up. Ginger needs to be about two years old to flower. To see flowers, it must be left in the ground. Dig carefully around the edges to harvest and avoid uprooting the plant.




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By Douglas Wagner


Fresh ginger is a popular culinary ingredient which has many uses in the kitchen. It has also been widely used as a herbal medicine for many centuries and people are continuing to discover more medicinal uses today. The roots of the plants grow from the ginger rhizomes as well as the shoots growing above the ground. It can be very satisfying to grow and harvest your own.

This plant does not survive if it is exposed to frost. It loves warm weather but should not get more than two to five hours of direct sunlight or strong winds. Plant it in partial shade and make sure that the soil is rich and drains well. Waterlogged soil will make it rot. Start by choosing some roots from the grocery store. Make sure they have eyes or small points at the end of the fingers. These are the buds from which the plant grows. An organic product is best because it is not treated with any growth-inhibitors.

The plant thrives on high quality soil. Use a mix of one part good compost to one part of sandy garden soil. The compost gives nutrition to the plant and retains water. The sand makes sure it drains freely. Turn the mix into the soil with a spade. In cases of heavy soil, it is better to make a ridge or raise the bed to improve drainage.

Cut the fresh root into two inch sections. Each of these sections with one or two eyes or buds can grow into a separate plant. Before planting, it is suggested to let the root lie for a day or two. This is to give the cuts time to seal over and prevent rot.

The best time to plant is in early spring so as to take advantage of of the heat of spring and summer. A crop can take up to ten months to develop so patience is needed. Plant five to ten centimeters deep and about 30 centimeters apart. This is because plants need space to grow. As long as the soil is moist and warm, germination should occur.

Water the bed after planting but just enough so that the soil does not dry out. Once the leaves are visible, water a couple of times a week. Reduce the amount of water immediately if soil becomes a bit soggy. Spray or mist regularly if air is particularly dry. The plant continues to grow until it reaches two or three feet in height.

As leaves start to die back, reduce water and allow the soil to dry. When the stems turn yellow and die as the temperature gets colder, stop watering altogether. Allow the plant to mature before harvesting as this develops the flavor. A plant needs a good eight months after planting before harvesting. Cutting off pieces for use in the kitchen does not kill a plant, as long as some eyes are left.

Replant the roots and spread mulch over the bed to insulate them and offer protection in cold winter weather. Mulch helps feed the plant as it breaks down. Resisting the urge to harvest for a year or two will allow a good resource stock be built up. Ginger needs to be about two years old to flower. To see flowers, it must be left in the ground. Dig carefully around the edges to harvest and avoid uprooting the plant.




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