Secrets for planting ginger in a pot or your garden for endless supplies at home

If you enjoy cooking, you probably have used your fair share of spices when doing so. One of those is ginger, a taste that adds something special to many dishes.

Although ginger is not necessarily expensive, it is difficult to keep it around. I don’t know about you, but there have been many times when I ran out and didn’t want to run back to the store.

Fortunately, that isn’t a problem for me any longer because I now know the secret of growing an endless supply of ginger at home. It only takes a small piece to start but the return on that small chuck of ginger is amazing.

Consider the following tips when growing ginger at home.

1. Choose Wisely: The initial piece of ginger that is used should be selected carefully. Use one that is plump and has visible eyes (rhizomes). If possible, use organic ginger as it does not have all of the chemicals included.

2. Prepare Properly: Soak the piece of ginger in water for at least 12 hours. This causes the rhizome to activate and it hydrates the root.

3. Choose Your Spot: Choose a pot that is at least 12″ deep. As the rhizome expands, you will need the space. Use a pot with drain holes so the ginger doesn’t get waterlogged and rot.

4. Prep the Soil: The soil should be organic and easily drained. Keep the soil loose and use compost to fertilize the plant.

5. Plant: Now that you have prepared the pot and soil, it is time to plant the ginger. Make sure the eyes are up and plant it between 1 and 2 inches deep. You can space a few rhizomes in a single pot if desired.

6. Water: The soil should be moist but not soaked with water. Ginger will do well with regular watering but don’t kill it with kindness.

7. Give some Shade: Ginger does well in partial sun, but make sure it has shade so the foliage is not damaged.

8. Temperature: The best weather is subtropical but if you live in a colder area, you can keep the pot indoors when the weather is cold.

9. Fertalize: Organic fertilizer should be added every month to 6 weeks when it is growing.

10. Mulch: Organic mulch can be used to help the plant maintain moisture and keep weeds to a minimum. Wood chips or straw work well.

11. Waiting: It may take up to 10 months for the ginger plant to mature. You can pull it early, but it’s better if you wait.

12. Harvest: Pull the rhizomes from the dirt carefully by digging around the plant. Take what you need and leave some behind for the next crop.

13. Storing: Make sure the rhizomes are dry when you store them in a dry cool area. You can also refrigerate them in a bag with a paper towel for a few weeks.

Growing ginger is not difficult but the more you do it, the more you will learn about it. Have fun with the growing process and adding the delicious ginger flavor to your food.