Ginger

Through out history ginger has been one of the most widely used plants in cuisine and medicine. The properties are just amazing. Ginger is used to help in many medical responses to our body when we just do not feel well. That being said, ginger is a part of many cuisines all over the world. Oriental cooking just would not be the same if ginger were not used. This wonderful herb gives a spicy bite to the cuisine and pleases the palate in such a way that no other herb can do.

Ginger produces clusters of white and pink flower buds  that bloom into yellow flowers. Because of its aesthetic appeal and the adaptation of the plant to warm climates, ginger is often used as landscaping around subtropical homes. It is a perennial reed-like plant with annual leafy stems, about a meter (3 to 4 feet) tall.

Growing Ginger

Growing your very own ginger is easy. The root of ginger can be found in most grocery stores. You can start your own plant right from this root. The root is a rhizome, meaning that this is an underground root that lies horizontally and sends shoots up along the length of the root. Each of these shoots can be used to create a new plant. Warm humid climates are the best growing condition for ginger. In Colder climates pot the root and bring the plant inside when the temperatures drop below 50° F.

Rich potting soil or soil that is enriched with plenty of compost is just right to grow the rhizome in. Soak the root in warm water overnight. Using a pot that is about 14” across and 12 inches deep will allow plenty of growing room and adequate drainage. Peat moss at the bottom of the pot helps suspend the soil so that there is good drainage. Just below the surface of the soil in a small depression lay the root long ways. Make sure the buds on the root are facing up. Cover with soil to a depth of three inches and wait for the shoots to start sprouting up.

The pot should be placed in diffused light to begin with, stronger light as the shoots leaf out. Water sparingly at first, and then once shoots appear, increase the watering to about one cup of water every other day. Using distilled water will help to prevent any chemical reaction the plant might have to tap water. The root will send up shoots when the temperature reaches 75 to 85 degrees. Ginger plants will grow to heights of two to four feet.