Planting Ginger Nodes
I love adding slivers of ginger to my herbal teas, certain culinary dishes and smoothies; sometimes I'll add to lemonade just for an extra kick of refreshment. So instead of buying it all the time, I figured I would attempt to grow my own this season; and since this something I can grow indoors, I figured why not?. I have the grow tent set up if needed and since it can take a few months for the ginger to really start growing and producing, I'll have plenty of room. I'll be unloading the plants and herbs that are in the grow tent in about six weeks- give or take- to the greenhouses outside, so I figured now was as good as time as any to get the ginger started.
Ginger soaking in warm water for 24-hours before sowing and planting
- Use organic, or propagated, ginger that is not shriveled but is firm
- Soak ginger rhizome nodes in warm water for 24 hours before planting
- Cut into pieces making sure each section has one node
- Let air dry for 2-3 days after 24-hour soak (helps prevent rotting)
- Use wide pot to plant in, placing ginger in well-drained container and moist soil with the nodes facing up and place nodes/pieces about 12 inches apart. Ginger needs space to grow since it grows more sideways then up.
- Cover with about two inches of soil and water lightly
- Place in a cool place- meaning no direct sunlight until it starts to sprout (about 2 months)
- Keep soil moist BUT DO NOT overwater
- Harvest when plant stops growing, leaves begin to turn yellow and only cut off from what is above the soil/ground. The root that is unearthed.
Benefits Of Ginger
- Good for reducing nausea
- Has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce pains from exercise if used daily- joint pain
- Aids in digestive issues
- Can help reduce sugar levels in body
- Could help reduce cholesterol levels
- May reduce infections
- Can improve brain and memory functions
- Helps with heartburn
- Strengthens immune system
So in about eight weeks I'll be hopefully updating you all with some progress of my ginger's growth and production.
