How to Grow Ginger - True Plan of Living

Ginger is one of the most powerful spices you can have on hand. It would be great to learn how to grow ginger so that this spice never leaves your cupboard!

What is ginger?

Ginger is a spice that has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The spice originated in Southeast Asia where the root and its leaves were eaten with food or by themselves. It was also carried on ships and eaten to prevent scurvy. The popular spice is consumed as a tea, as a flavoring for dishes, soups, and porridge, and can also be used to make poultices to relieve pain.

Ginger is part of the Zingiberaceae family: a family of plants that have either more ornamental purposes or are more likely to be used as spices. Turmeric, cardamom, and galangal are also a part of this family. Ginger, or Zingiber officinale, is a flowering plant and its root is what people are most familiar with. The ginger plant has false stems made of its rolled leaves, hairy bases and small purple, brown or yellow flowers. The plant itself has a very strong, gingery smell that is associated with the root, making it easier to identify and harvest.

Steps to Grow Ginger

Steps to grow ginger

It is best to plant ginger in early spring and it takes 8-10 months to mature.

Follow these steps to grow ginger correctly:

● Before putting it in the soil, cut it down into about 1 to 11⁄2-inch pieces.

● Let the pieces sit for a day or more so they can dry and form a callus. (Ensure the pieces

have “eyes” on them so they can sprout correctly)

● Plant the rhizomes 2-4 inches deep with the eyes above the soil.

● Water the ginger as soon as it is planted.

Harvesting Ginger

After 8-10 months have passed and the ginger has fully matured, it is ready to harvest. Yellow stems are a sign harvesting time is near. Trim your stems 2-3 weeks before harvesting and wait til the stems and the soil has dried out before harvesting.

Reaping Ginger