Garden Tips & Resources

Growing ginger has a vast array of health benefits, direct from nature. Also known as Zingiber Officinale, ginger has a uses as a medicine and a flavoring. The use ginger dates back many thousands of years. The Greeks, Chinese, and Egyptians used it throughout history.

Although possible to grow from home, ginger prefers tropical climates, like its original origin – native Asian rainforest’s. When growing ginger, it is important to keep the plants in a warm, humid environment.

This plant likes it hot, but not bright, direct sunlight. Ginger can be planted in a plant pot if preferred, either indoors, or out. The ginger plant will need to be kept inside if you live in a cold climate, especially in winter.

Growing ginger – How to Grow Ginger–

You can grow your own plant from a ginger root that you purchase at the local supermarket. The night before you plant, soak the roots in warm water. The next day, put the root in a regular plant pot, topped up with rich potting mixture. Insure the container has thorough drainage. Apply peat moss or organic compost around the plant. Then cover the pot with a carrier bag or plastic sheeting, then position it in a place where the sun shines, but be sure the plant does not receive direct sunlight.

Check daily, and once you’ve seen the first shoots, it is time to remove the covering. It is safe to export the plant into the garden when all danger of frost is past. When growing ginger, water it regularly, but avoid the soil becoming saturated.

A growing ginger plant can reach up to a height of 48″. And may reach twelve inches in width. Ginger does not tolerate dryness, it should be in a very humid area. This can be achieved by ‘misting’ the plant as often as possible, avoiding direct sunlight, and providing rich soil.

Growing ginger is best planted in springtime. It usually takes three to five months for a plant to harvest. It is not necessary to unearth the whole plant for harvesting. Just push holes in the soil gingerly and cut off what you need.

For the preservation of ginger, it can be dried indoors, kept in the refrigerator, or sun-dried.

Cooking With Your Growing Ginger:

Add ginger to your next stir fry to pep it up. Ginger can be used to flavor meats, vegetables, puddings, and drinks. Add ginger spice to your cookies, teas, or other recipes. To measure ginger, one tspn of crushed ginger powder equals one serving.

Medicinal Reasons For Growing Ginger:

Ginger can be used to relieve common pregnancy symptoms, like morning sickness or stomach cramps. Gingerol (an ingredient found in ginger) can relieve sickness and nausea. It is proven safe to take during pregnancy, all natural, and it causes no ill side effects. Ginger root can also be used for the treatment of arthritis and migraines. Travelers who rather not chew motion sickness tablets can use ginger to settle their stomach. Growing ginger for the intention of using in tea is recommended among homeopathic medicine professionals, for use against the symptoms of flu or cold virus.

Growing Ginger Tips–

The best ginger is grown organically without pesticides.

Just like the ancients did to preserve food supply, remember to place a piece of root back into where you originally dug – to ensure more growth for next season.

Do not leave your plant out in the cold. Outside temperatures lower than 50 degrees will stunt the growing ginger and may kill the plant.

Well done! You have made a good choice with your decision to grown ginger.

Do not be afraid to get your hands dirty!

You will hit pay dirt, with fresh ginger on hand for cooking and taking care of your family‘s ills. (Not from your cooking!)

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