Growing Ginger
You receive health benefits compliments of nature when growing ginger for the family. Ginger, Zingiber Officinale, provides us with healthy choices for food flavorings and herbal medicine. This truly vauluable spice has an ancient past. The Greeks, Chinese, and Egyptians used it throughout history.
The Ginger plant is accustomed to tropical climates of its native forests in Asia. It’s important to make sure the plant remains in a warm and humid environment when growing ginger.
Although ginger likes heat, direct sunlight is not advisable. Ginger can be planted in a plant pot if preferred, either indoors, or out. If you live in a cold climate, the plants will need to be indoors for the winter.
Tips for Growing Ginger–
You can grow your own plant from a ginger root that you purchase from the local supermarket. The night before you plant, soak the roots in warm water. Place the root in a pot filled with loose, rich potting soil. Ensure the pot use has sufficient drainage. Apply peat moss or organic compost around the plant. Then cover the pot with a carrier bag or plastic sheeting, then position it in a place where the sun shines, but be sure the plant does not receive direct sunlight.
Check daily, and once you’ve seen the first shoots, it is time to remove the covering. The plant can be moved to the garden, once you are sure that no further frost will come. When growing ginger, water it regularly, but avoid the soil becoming saturated.
A growing ginger plant can reach up to a height of 48″. And may reach twelve inches in width. For the plant to prosper, it will need high humidity. This can be achieved by ‘misting’ the plant as often as possible, avoiding direct sunlight, and providing rich soil.
Growing ginger is best planted in springtime. It usually takes three to five months for a plant to harvest. To do this, the whole plant must be unearthed, to reach the root. Another technique is to poke holes in the soil, and simply cut off what you want to use.
To preserve harvested ginger, it can be sun-dried in a dry cupboard, or refrigerated.
Growing Ginger to use for cooking–
Fresh ginger spices up ordinary stir-fry cooking. Ginger can be used to flavor meats, vegetables, deserts, and drinks. Spice up biscuits, teas and other recipes with ginger seasoning. To measure ginger, one tspn of crushed ginger powder equals one serving.
Growing Ginger for medical reasons–
Ginger can be used to relieve common pregnancy symptoms, like morning sickness or stomach cramps. Ginger is made of a substance called gingerol that relieves nausea. Fortunately, it has been shown to be safe to administer during pregnancy, as it is direct from nature, and has no known side effects. Ginger is also used to treat migraines and arthritis. The plant is also suitable for aiding the effects of travel sickness, especially for those who do not like to take medication. Growing ginger for the intention of using in tea is recommended among homeopathic medicine professionals, for use to fight the symptoms of flu or cold virus.
Growing Ginger Tips–
Naturally, the most potent and effective ginger is that which is cultivated organically.
Harvest as much ginger as you like, but put a budded piece back to replace what you use.
Never leave the ginger plant outside in cold temperatures. The reason for this is because anything lower than 50F will kill, or stunt the growth of the plant.
Well done! You have made a good choice with your decision to grown ginger.
Don’t be scared to get stuck in!
Pardon the pun, but when growing ginger, you’ll hit “pay dirt” – especially with fresh ginger available to use when you please – for a medical need or a delicious meal.
