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. The use ginger dates back many thousands of years. The Greeks, Chinese, and Egyptians used it throughout history.
The Ginger plant is accustomed 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 bright, direct sunlight. Whether inside or outdoors, you can plant ginger in a flowerpot. The ginger plant will need to be kept inside if you live in a cold climate, especially in winter.
You can grow your own plant from a ginger root that you purchase at the local supermarket. To do this, immerse the roots in warm water the overnight. Place the root in a pot filled with loose, rich potting mix. Ensure the pot use has sufficient drainage. Apply peat moss or organic compost around the plant. Cover the pot with a plastic bag and place it in a sunny spot where it will get indirect sunlight.
Check daily, and once you’ve seen the first shoots, it is time to remove the covering. 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 48″. As it grows, its slender stems and glossy leaves may stretch up to a foot long. Ginger does not tolerate dryness, it needs to 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.
The best time for growing ginger is in the 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.
For the preservation of ginger, it can be dried indoors, kept in the refrigerator, or sun-dried.
Cooking With Your Growing Ginger:
Fresh ginger spices up ordinary stir-fry cooking. 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–
Pregnant women sometimes use ginger to relieve a stomachache or morning sickness. Ginger is made of a substance called gingerol that relieves 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. 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–
Naturally, the most potent and effective ginger is that which is grown organically.
Harvest as much ginger as you like, but put a budded piece back to replace what you use.
Do not leave your plant out in the cold. This is because anything lower than 50F will kill, or stunt the growth of the plant.
Congratulations, on the good decision of growing ginger.
Try not to 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!)
