Ginger is a versatile root used in many delicious recipes, from curries and stir-fries to gingerbread and beverages. With the cost of store-bought ginger increasing, growing your own at home not only saves you money but also provides you with a fresher, more flavorful product. The best part? If cared for properly, ginger can be harvested season after season, meaning you can enjoy a continuous supply!
Growing Ginger from Rhizomes
Ginger grows from rhizomes – modified stems that spread out under the soil, sending out roots and shoots. You can start your ginger plant with rhizomes purchased from the grocery store, particularly organic ones. Look for firm, healthy pieces with at least two “eyes” (small nodules from which shoots will sprout). Soak the rhizomes overnight in warm water to remove any growth inhibitors.
How to Plant Ginger
Plant ginger in wide containers (not deep), ensuring there’s plenty of space for the rhizomes to spread out. Use a mix of sieved compost and composted bark for the potting soil to mimic the light, well-draining conditions ginger thrives in. Place the rhizome at the surface of the soil, just covering it lightly. Water well, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy.
The best time to plant ginger is in spring when the weather is warm, but if you provide enough warmth, ginger can also be planted in autumn.
Where to Grow Ginger
Ginger prefers a shaded environment, as it naturally grows in the forest understory. In cooler climates, growing ginger in a greenhouse, sunroom, or tall cold frame is ideal. In hotter climates, be sure to keep ginger shaded from intense sunlight.
Watering and Feeding Ginger
Ginger needs regular watering once it begins to grow, as its natural environment is characterized by frequent rain showers. Keep the soil moist but not overly saturated. During the growing season, misting can help increase humidity, which ginger also prefers. A liquid seaweed feed every few weeks can provide the nutrients ginger needs.
Overwintering Ginger
When temperatures drop, ginger goes dormant. If you live in a colder climate, bring your ginger indoors. Keep it in a warm, humid environment, such as a bathroom, away from direct heat sources. Trim any dead or damaged leaves, and ensure the plant stays moist without drying out.
How to Harvest Ginger
Harvest your ginger at the end of the growing season. Either break off a section of the root or carefully remove the entire plant from the pot, then replant part of the rhizome to continue growing. This allows you to harvest ginger continuously.
For easier use, freeze ginger before grating, or dehydrate it to make ground ginger powder. You can also use the same method for turmeric root or garlic.
Conclusion
Growing ginger is easy and rewarding. Not only does it provide a continual supply of fresh, flavorful ginger, but it’s also a fun and sustainable plant to grow year after year. Whether you’re harvesting it for cooking, baking, or brewing your favorite drinks, ginger is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that’s worth adding to your garden!