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Growing Ginger in Containers.
Ginger is a tropical plant and is a staple in Asian cuisine. However, it is also commonly used in preparing American foods. It is quite easy to grow and adds a distinct flavor to every menu. Due to its flavor and convenience, many people have been growing ginger in containers right on their own kitchen window sill.
Why plant ginger? Ginger is considered an herbal plant. It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties known to cure different kinds of skin infections. It is also popular in alleviating sore throat due to colds and cough. In fact, ginger ale is used as part of the regimen in keeping one’s singing voice in good condition.
However, ginger is not only herbal. It is also considered as an ornamental plant. It rises quite tall and produces delicate and fragrant flowers that are quite long lasting. Growing ginger in containers on patios and balconies are ideal for this reason. It is also an easy plant to cultivate. As long as you give it enough water and sunlight, despite the limited space, you can enjoy useful amounts of the crop which can last up to 3 months in your refrigerator or even simply in your cool and dry drawers.
Where to get a ginger rhizome to plant?
What everyone knows as the ginger root is actually not a root at all, but a swollen, underground stem called a rhizome. Ginger is grown by planting large pieces of rhizomes. They are easily and cheaply available in local supermarkets and Asian grocery stores. Make sure that you pick the large, fat pieces which already have some green buds showing because these are the ones ready to shoot.
How to prepare the rhizome
The first thing to do is suspend a two-inch piece of rhizome over a glass of water. You can hold it in place using toothpicks stuck into the sides. Then, fill the glass with water, immersing about one-third of the ginger rhizome. When the roots grew about an inch, plant the rhizome. Bury it just below the surface of a moist and rich potting mixture. Make sure that your pot will enable good drainage.
How to prepare your soil.
As already mentioned, your soil must be rich. To ensure that it is, mix one part compost with one part of sandy garden soil. This will guarantee that the growing medium holds moisture and gives nutrients while being free-draining at the same time. If you are planting ginger in your garden and you have a heavy garden soil, it is advisable to make a raised bed for planting.
Finding a Suitable Place for Your Ginger.
Growing ginger in containers is perfect unless you live in extremely hot and dry areas. Give your ginger a generous amount of room. Your containers should be at least twice the size of the tuber. If you wish to plant more than one tuber in a container, get one which is between 14 inches and 16 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep. Shield you plant from high winds.
Caring for your ginger plant.
Never let the soil dry out, but never over-water it either lest the nutrients would be flushed away. You may use a thick covering of mulch to help maintain the soil moisture. Misting is also required if the air is too dry. Since ginger is a tropical plant, it thrives in humidity.
At the end of the summer when the weather starts to cool down, the plant will start to die down. You should stop watering it and let the ground dry out. Doing so will encourage the plant to form its rhizomes.
When is it best to plant and harvest ginger?
Ideally, it is best to plant ginger in late winter or early spring. The ginger is ready for harvest when all the leaves have already died down. Of course, you can harvest the ginger root when it is still green, which is usually as early as 4 months old. However, this produce has less flavor than the matured one. A rhizome is expected to mature between 8 and 10 months after planting. Experts say though, that the plant should be allowed to establish itself by not harvesting during its first year.
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