I first started by cutting the rhizome into smaller pieces, making sure that each piece had at least one eye bud.
Since I live in a climate that experiences freezes, and since ginger is a tropical plant that can't handle freezing, I decided to plant my ginger in a container, so that I can bring it indoors in the winter. I selected a plastic container, since it makes for easier transport while lugging it in and outside. I also opted for a pot that has a removable bottom, so that there is easier drainage when it is outsides, but then I can put the bottom back on when I bring it indoors.
While I did not start with an organic ginger root, I want the ginger I grow to be as organic as possible, so I bought some local organic potting mix for my ginger - Lady Bug Vortex Potting Soil. I also added in some compost from my bins to give it a little extra nutrients.
Next, I planted my ginger roots, spacing them evenly in the pot, with the eye buds facing up. Then I covered them with 1-2 inches of potting mix and gave them a good watering.
Ginger root likes partial shade and to stay moist, so I selected a place on my patio that will get filtered sunlight. I'll need to make sure to keep this plant more watered than most of my other drought-tolerant plants. It will also need to come indoors before a freeze.
Ginger is a slow-growing herb, so I will need to wait at least 4 months to do any harvesting. The longer I wait, the bigger my harvest will be, so if I can wait closer to a year, I will get an even better harvest. The best time to harvest is in the fall, when the leaves start dying back. I will probably do a small harvest this fall, but leave a lot of the roots in the pot and bring it indoors over winter.
I always love trying out new plants - I'll let you know how this one goes for me. Have you ever planted ginger?
No comments:
Post a Comment