Here's a Nice way to start growing ginger!

Grow Ginger in a Pot
by Marvin Kelly
@1998 APRIL NEW JARDIN


Of course you can grow Ginger! It is easy! There are many different kinds. and I have 7 different types. I start my roots, which I order from mail order companies, in rich potting soil inside, then set out in the yard in the shade. After they are established I leave them outside (I'm in Alabama) If it gets very cold where you are, they would have to be dug and stored in the winter. Buy some at the grocery store first and try it, then go for the more
exotic kinds.

Most people are more familiar with the grocery store ginger we commonly eat. This is also one of the least showy. When it blooms, it will be a small cone shaped greenish yellow flower on a short stem, that is easy to over look if you do not pay close attention to your plant. The foliage is very attractive and it is a plant well worth growing in the garden or in pots.

Now, how to grow. If you do not have the roots, select from your grocery roots that are firm without wrinkles, and are slick with a slight shine. It is also good to look for small green buds at the ends of the off shoots from the big root. I like to start my roots in a pot in very good quality potting soil, the kind that is loose and does not pack down when you water. Use a pot that has a diameter at least 4 more than the length of your root. Fill the pot to about 3/4 full, place the root flat on top of the soil, then cover
so that you have about an inch of potting soil over the root after you water.

Place in a location where the pot will receive plenty of indirect sun light and soon you should see sprouts appearing. You may leave in pot or set out in a shady location after all danger of below freezing temp. is past. Ginger can not stand direct sun light. They like rich, loose soil, regular watering, and most important shade. An occasional general purpose
fertilizer may be applied but if you forget , don't worry about it, the ginger will do fine.

Before winter, dig up and bring inside, let dry out and store until spring. You must try some of the more exotic kinds, the pine cone ginger will grow about 6' tall, has cone shaped bright red flowers about the size of a man's fist and has a ginger fragrance when squeezed, also, the butterfly ginger will grow about 4' tall has a breath taking white bloom
that smells much like a gardenia. There are also yellow, blue, orange, and many different shades of these colors, but they all smell wonderfully. These may be obtained from mail order catalogues. Another type is turmeric, the bright yellow seasoning used in Indian and far east dishes. The roots of turmeric are much smaller than the regular ginger we use.

Another method is to grow outside in large pots, then before it freezes bring the pot inside to a *dark above freezing location*, and forget about it until spring. The top will die back, and the soil will dry out. After danger of frost is past, take outside, water, and enjoy.

Best Wishes & Kindest Regards,

Marvin Henry Kelley
MHKELLY@AOL.COM

-- growing ginger in Alabama---



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