How to Grow Ginger

Ginger is a perennial tropical plant that has long been cultivated as a flavoring for dishes and for its medicinal properties. It is a common feature in Asian cookery where it is used to spice and flavor savory dishes. In Western cuisine, ginger is used to flavor sweet foods, such as cookies, biscuits, cakes, and beverages.

Asian culture has long established its medicinal properties. Ginger has been used as a remedy for common colds, gall stones, joint pains, and nausea caused by seasickness and dyspepsia. It has blood-thinning and cholesterol-lowering properties that are beneficial for the treatment of heart disease.

Ginger comes in a number of varieties, both edible and inedible. The most common variety found in markets is the Zingiber officinale, or the ginger root. Ginger does not take much time and effort to grow. Although it grows in warm climates, it can be planted indoors and in containers. Here are a few basic guidelines when planting ginger.

Required Materials

• ginger root
• compost makers
• fertilizer
• garden trowel
• gardening pots

Steps to Grow Ginger

1. Preparation
   • Ginger is propagated by planting pieces of the rhizome, or the underground stem. Choose a ginger root that has many branches, or “fingers.” Each finger can be broken off and planted separately.
   • Choose a ginger root that is plump, smooth, shiny, and not dried out for planting.
   • Soak the rhizome in water overnight and allow all cuts to dry before planting them in moist soil.
2. Sowing Indoors
   • Ginger is best started in a pot indoors if planting in cold areas. Plant the rhizomes in pots at least 15 inches in diameter and has adequate drainage.
   • Use standard potting soil or soil that is equal parts perlite, peat moss, and coarse sand.
   • Plant the rhizomes with the buds pointing up. Set them 2 to 3 inches apart if planting more than one in a pot. Cover the rhizomes with about an inch of soil or leave them uncovered. Water thoroughly.
3. Planting Outdoors
   • Transfer the plants outdoors when the daytime temperatures have exceeds 75º Fahrenheit.
   • The site should receive light shade and have well-drained soil. Prepare the soil by plowing the area and adding compost or manure.
   • Plant the rhizomes as you would plant them in pots.
4. Taking Care of Ginger
   • Water the rhizomes lightly until the plant is established. It is best to provide occasional deep watering than regular light watering. Over watering can rot the rhizomes.
   • Add fertilizers to the soil once a month.
5. Harvesting and Storing
   • Harvest ginger by digging up new tubers that appear at the base of the plant. Tender new shoots can be clipped for cooking once the plant matures.
   • Store ginger by simply washing the tubers before placing them in a plastic bag. Store them inside the freezer.
   • Ginger can also be stored by drying them in the sun. Store dried ginger in the cupboard or in the refrigerator.