We've all heard of wonderful ginger, right? This powerful root is not only known for the flavourful enhancement it brings to our favourite dishes, but also for its wealth in health benefits.
Ginger can aid digestion, reduce nausea and sickness, fight off bacteria and protect us from the flu- some studies have even suggested that ginger can curb cancer growth.
Did you know that ginger can easily be home-grown? With this guide you'll be well on your way to growing your very own supply.
Growing ginger at home
Find your root
Firs thing's first- you'll need to pick up a ginger root from your grocery store. You should be aiming to find a piece that is the size of your thumb that has a handful of bumps at the tips (also known as buds).
Typical ginger that you'd find in the supermarket is often treated in order to prevent it from sprouting - just like potatoes. So, we advise that you choose organic for the best results.
Cut the rhizome
Cut the rhizome into multiple pieces.
Tip: Any piece that sits at a minimum width of 1 to 1.5 inches, with one or more eyes can grow into its own plant.
After you have divided your root plant, you need to leave the pieces in a dry secure location for a few days, or more. By doing this, you allow the ginger pieces to form a protective hard skin over the surface and heal, which ultimately reduces the risk of infection.
Prepare the soil
For the best results, use high quality and well-drained soil. A 50/50 mix of garden soil and well-rotted compost is best.
Ginger also prefers slightly-acidic soil, typically between 6.1 and 6.5 p.
Tip: Putting sphagnum moss in a starting tray can prevent rot in young plants, and promote great drainage.
Choosing the right location to grow the ginger
Ginger thrives in areas with partial shade, planted away from other large rooted plants, and should be sheltered away from wind and moisture.
Before the ginger plant germinates, the soil temperature should be kept warm, at around 22 to 25 degrees.
Oh, and if you are growing your ginger in a pot, make sure that the pot is at least 30cm (12 inches) deep. Use a plastic pot as opposed to a terracotta one, with holes in the bottom for drainage.
Plant your ginger
Plant your individual ginger pieces at around 5-10cm (2-4 inches) deep. Place each piece in loose soil, and aim the buds upwards from the soil.
Maintain an 8 inch space between each piece of ginger.
If you chose to grow from a pot plant two or three pieces per large pot.
Aftercare for your ginger plant
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Keep the soil damp - water lightly right after planting.
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Check up on your plant regularly - if the soil begins to become dry, water immediately.
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Try to maintain good water drainage - water less if the soil seems soggy (this will avoid root rot).
During the colder months:
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Ginger plants cannot thrive in colder temperatures, so during the cooler months bring the ginger plant indoors.
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Store in a warm, dry location
After eight months:
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After eight months, and when the stems begin to die off, its time to dig up the ginger rhizome.
Starter products to get you home-growing your ginger now
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.
The best products to get you home-growing your ginger now
1 of 3Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics Fruit & Veg Compost
Give your ginger plant an extra surge of security and promote optimum growth with this miracle compost.
2 of 3Miracle-Gro 119911 Performance Organics Fruit & Veg Plant Food-1 Litre
Designed to promote double the growth, this plant food will be an added treasure for your ginger growth.
£7.85
3 of 3Stewart 2837014 30.5 cm Flower Pot
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£9.99