Ginger rhizomes are the swollen root sections of herbaceous perennial plants. The root is used for many medicinal and culinary purposes today and has been done so for centuries. It is quite easy to grow as long as it is not exposed to frost or too much direct sunlight.
As a tropical plant, it does not like frost and prefers a humid climate. It should not be in direct sunlight all the time. Choose a spot with partial shade and some protection from strong winds. Soil needs to be rich and have good drainage. When buying roots from the grocery store, select ones that do not look too dried out and wrinkly. The little points at the cut off ends of the root are where the roots and shoots sprout from.
High quality soil is very important. Mix garden soil with an equal amount of compost. The compost provides the plant with nutrition and keeps water in while the garden soil ensures proper drainage. If soil contains too much clay or is very poor in quality, it is better to use potting soil.
Cut the root into pieces with a sanitized knife. Each piece must be at least one inch wide and contain a bud or two. A piece with a couple of eyes or buds is more likely to sprout. Keep the pieces in a dry location for a couple of days. It gives the cuts a chance to form a protective seal which can prevent rot.
The best planting time is in late winter or early spring. When planting the root, make sure that the bud is on top. Plant about two inches below the surface of the soil. If planting in rows, the roots must be planted about eight inches apart. If the ground is warm and moist, they tend to take very easily.
Remember not to over-water is this can be detrimental. Plants will usually need generous watering twice a week but check regularly to determine moistness. Spraying or misting the leaves every day or two can help to maintain humidity. The roots start growing about two months from the time of planting.
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.
A decent mulch offers plants nutrients, prevents weeds from growing and offers some protection. Fertilizing will not be as important if plants are surrounded by mulch from which they can get nutrients. A good mixture can be made from worm castings and horse manure. Do not expect flowers unless plants have been left in the ground for two years.
As a tropical plant, it does not like frost and prefers a humid climate. It should not be in direct sunlight all the time. Choose a spot with partial shade and some protection from strong winds. Soil needs to be rich and have good drainage. When buying roots from the grocery store, select ones that do not look too dried out and wrinkly. The little points at the cut off ends of the root are where the roots and shoots sprout from.
High quality soil is very important. Mix garden soil with an equal amount of compost. The compost provides the plant with nutrition and keeps water in while the garden soil ensures proper drainage. If soil contains too much clay or is very poor in quality, it is better to use potting soil.
Cut the root into pieces with a sanitized knife. Each piece must be at least one inch wide and contain a bud or two. A piece with a couple of eyes or buds is more likely to sprout. Keep the pieces in a dry location for a couple of days. It gives the cuts a chance to form a protective seal which can prevent rot.
The best planting time is in late winter or early spring. When planting the root, make sure that the bud is on top. Plant about two inches below the surface of the soil. If planting in rows, the roots must be planted about eight inches apart. If the ground is warm and moist, they tend to take very easily.
Remember not to over-water is this can be detrimental. Plants will usually need generous watering twice a week but check regularly to determine moistness. Spraying or misting the leaves every day or two can help to maintain humidity. The roots start growing about two months from the time of planting.
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.
A decent mulch offers plants nutrients, prevents weeds from growing and offers some protection. Fertilizing will not be as important if plants are surrounded by mulch from which they can get nutrients. A good mixture can be made from worm castings and horse manure. Do not expect flowers unless plants have been left in the ground for two years.
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