Ginger is a highly low-maintenance plant that does well in partial sunlight. Growing ginger as a houseplant is the best solution for most vegetable gardeners. Gingerols are potent anti-inflammatory compounds that can help alleviate arthritis pain. In addition, studies have shown that ginger helps boost the immune system and protect against colorectal cancer.
Growing Ginger
Site selection:
Warm, humid temperatures are ideal for ginger. Selection a location that receives a lot of light, with at least 2 to 5 hours of direct sunlight. If the ginger plant hasn’t germinated yet, soil temperatures should be between 71 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (22 and 25 degrees Celsius).
To allow your ginger plant ample area to develop, choose a pot with a diameter of at least 12-16 inches (30-40cm). Because ginger grows horizontally and rhizomes close to the soil surface, a deep pot is not required for the best results.
Soil preparation:
The ginger root prefers rich, loose soil and grows in part to full shade. The optimal ground pH is between 5 and 6.5. Ginger grows best in rich, loamy, sandy/loose soil that retains moisture and drains well to avoid becoming wet.
Choose your ginger plant:
To grow ginger in the garden, all you need is the root from the grocery store. Ginger roots should be about 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm.) long with at least a few “fingers” If possible, find a ginger root where the tips of the fingers are greenish.
If buying ginger from a store, soak rhizomes in water overnight because they are sometimes treated with a growth retardant.
Plant the Ginger:
Place a ginger finger or a slice of ginger in a shallow trench—plant one ginger plant for every square foot of your home (0.1 sq. m.)d and 2 to 4 inches deep. Water the ginger root thoroughly after it has been planted. The ginger plant’s leaves should appear in a week or two.
Watering:
As the weather cools, reduce watering to encourage the plants to form underground rhizomes. In arid conditions, occasional light watering can be provided if there is no natural rainfall. Always avoid overwatering in dry areas and mist or spray plants regularly for maximum growth.
Fertilization:
Fertilizer with a high phosphorus content is beneficial to ginger roots (P). Before you begin planting, get the soil analyzed and amended. Fertilize with a modest dose of complete liquid fertilizer once a month if your soil is weak or you want to increase yield. If your ginger is growing in rich soil, you won’t need to fertilize it.
How Long Does Ginger Take before harvesting?
It takes 8-10 months for ginger to grow fully. Therefore, young ginger is sometimes harvested 3–4 months after planting, usually intended for pickling. Cutting off pieces for cooking will not kill the plant as long as you leave some eyes behind and bruise the skin.
It takes 8-10 months for ginger to grow fully. 3–4 months after planting, young ginger is occasionally collected, generally for pickling. As long as some eyes are left, and the skin is damaged, cutting off parts for cooking will not kill the plant.
Harvesting Ginger Root
You can harvest ginger at any stage of development, but the optimal period is between 8 and 10 months.
Ginger rhizomes can be harvested after 4-6 months by carefully digging the sides of the ginger rhizome clump. When it reaches 8-10 months, you can reap the entire crop of ginger and keep the rest for culinary and other kitchen purposes.
Remove a section of the rhizome, then gently set the rest of the plant back in its pot. Please protect it from direct sunshine and extreme temperature swings for a few days until it recovers, as you would any vulnerable transplant.
Storing the Ginger
Refrigerator:
If you have raw, unpeeled ginger root, get a plastic freezer bag and place the ginger inside, which will keep the ginger fresh for a few days to a few weeks.
Freezer:
Fresh ginger should be kept in the refrigerator or freezer. Place the ginger, whole and unpeeled, in a freezer bag and freeze it. Alternatively, purée peeled ginger with a tiny amount of water in a food processor to make pureed ginger ice cubes.
If left unpeeled, it can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks or frozen for six months.
Dried Ground Ginger:
If you want to dry ginger quickly, use a food dehydrator or a low-temperature oven. Store dried ground ginger in an airtight container away from heat and light in a cool, dark cabinet.
Countertop:
Ginger root extract can be stored in a cool, dark place, such as on your kitchen counter away from the sun, to keep it fresher and more efficient to use within 24 hours.
Where to Buy?
For more information on the benefits and uses of ginger, check out Ginger: Top 10 Health Benefits, How To Use, and Side Effects
