Tips for Growing Ginger
Growing ginger has a vast array of health benefits, direct from nature. Ginger, Zingiber Officinale, provides us with healthy choices for food flavorings and herbal medicine. This valuable spice has an ancient past. The Greeks, Chinese, and Egyptians used it throughout history.
The Ginger plant is acclimated to tropical climates of its native forests in Asia. It’s important to make sure the plant remains in a warm and humid environment when growing ginger.
This plant likes it hot, but not too sunny, direct sunlight. Ginger can be planted in a plant pot if preferred, either indoors, or out. The ginger plant will need to be kept indoors if you live in a cold climate, especially in winter.
Tips for Growing Ginger–
Ginger can be grown from the root or rhizome bought from the supermarket. To do this, immerse the roots in warm water the overnight. Place the root in a pot filled with loose, rich potting soil. Ensure the pot use has sufficient drainage. Place organic compost (or peat moss) around the root. Cover the pot with a plastic bag and place it in a sunny spot where it will get indirect sunlight.
When the first shoots appear, take off the plastic bag. The plant can be moved to the garden, once you are sure that no further frost will come. When growing ginger, water it regularly, but avoid the soil becoming saturated.
A growing ginger plant can reach up to a height of four feet. And may reach twelve inches in width. For the plant to prosper, it will need high humidity. 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 may take up to 5 months for the plant to come into harvest. To do this, the whole plant must be unearthed, to reach the root. Just push holes in the soil gingerly and cut off what you need.
To preserve harvested ginger, it can be sun-dried in a dry cupboard, or refrigerated.
Cooking With Your Growing Ginger:
Add ginger to your next stir fry to pep it up. Ginger can be used to flavor meats, vegetables, deserts, and drinks. Add ginger spice to your cookies, teas, or other recipes. One third of a teaspoon of ginger, when crushed into a powder, equals a serving.
Growing Ginger for medical reasons–
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 is also used to treat migraines and arthritis. The plant is also suitable for aiding the effects of travel sickness, especially for those who do not like to take medication. 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.
Tips For Growing Ginger:
The best ginger is grown organically without pesticides.
Just like the ancients did to preserve food supply, remember to put a piece of root back into where you originally dug – to ensure more growth for next season.
Never leave the ginger plant outside in cold temperatures. Outside temperatures lower than 50 degrees will stunt the growing ginger and may kill the plant.
Well done! You have made a good choice on 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!)
