HOW TO GROW GINGER AT HOME IN 6 STEPS
How to grow ginger at home in 6 steps
Ginger root is a rhizome used as a spice in food around the world and is easy to grow at home.
What is ginger?
Although often called ginger root, ginger actually comes from the rhizome (underground stem) of Zingiber officinale, a hot flowering plant in the same family as cardamom and turmeric. The pungent flavor of fresh raw ginger comes from gingerol, an aromatic compound that transforms into the sweet zingerone when heated or dried, making ginger a versatile ingredient.
Ginger is a popular ingredient in many different cuisines, especially in various Asian cuisines including Japanese, Chinese and Thai cuisine. For great flavor, fresh ginger is best for cooking, and can be pounded, diced or grated. You can also cook with dried or powdered ginger.
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When to plant ginger
Early spring is the best time to plant your ginger. Ginger is a warm plant that grows every year if you live in a hot climate. In cooler climates, ginger can be grown in pots that can be brought indoors during the winter months. Wait until the first frost is over to plant your ginger. The plant will take eight to ten months to mature, and is at its best in winter, when the leaves begin to fall.
When to harvest ginger
Allow your plants to fully mature before harvesting, which will take about eight to ten months. This means that if you plant it in the spring, it will be ready to harvest in winter. Allow the plant that grows from your ginger root to dry before harvesting. This should take about two months. The longer you wait to harvest your ginger root, the stronger its flavor will be.
How to grow ginger at home in 6 steps
Follow these simple steps to plant and grow your own ginger.
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- Buy ginger root:
To grow the most common type of ginger, Zingiber officinale, you can purchase ginger root from your local grocery store. When choosing ginger root to plant, look for fleshy, young roots. Everything that grows at the end of the root, which is called eye, is an addition because they have started to grow.
- Cut your ginger:
You can plant ginger root for one plant or cut it to grow more. Just cut your ginger into pieces and let it sit for a day to dry out and form a callus. Make sure that any cuttings you plant have eyes (which are the ends of the stems) so that they grow properly.
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Prepare your soil:
Mix potting soil with compost mulch for your ginger. You want to plant your ginger in the ground well so it doesn’t rot. Slightly acidic soil is best for ginger, so make sure your soil or potting mix has a pH of six to six and a half.
- Choose a location:
Ginger does best in partial shade with only two to five hours of sunlight per day. Keep this in mind if you are growing your ginger outdoors. If you are growing your ginger in a pot, use a plastic pot that is at least 12 inches deep. If you live in a warm climate, you can grow your ginger all year round. If you live in a cold climate with severe winters, plant it in a pot so you can move the ginger indoors during the winter.
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- Plant your ginger:
Burry your two ginger roots 4 inches below the ground, at least 8 inches. If you are growing ginger in pots, plant only one ginger as it will take up a lot of space. If one of the roots has sprouted, plant it with the buds pointing up.
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Water your ginger:
Water your ginger as soon as you plant it. Continue to keep your soil moist and not flooded, watering it sparingly before the soil dries out. In late summer or fall, you will begin to die back. When you die, stop watering the plant completely.
How to harvest ginger
When your ginger begins to die back, which should take eight to 10 months, your ginger is ripe and ready to harvest
Here are the instructions for harvesting ginger.
1. Prune your stems:
When your stem begin to turn yellow, your ginger root is reaching maturity and will soon be ready to harvest. Wait until your ginger plant has died back and the soil is dry before harvesting. Cut off the top of the ginger stalk two or three weeks before planting.
2. Dig up the whole plant:
Using your hands or a small trowel, carefully remove the ginger root from the soil and cut it from the rest of the ginger plant. You can do this with your hands or a small trowel
3. Wash and prepare your ginger:
Wash and clean your ginger root under running water, taking care to remove as much dirt as possible. Your ginger is now ready to be cooked, pickled, dried or prepared however you like. You can save a few pieces of ginger to replant them next time.
