How To Grow Ginger Organically: A Gardeners Guide

Ginger has been used for centuries in both the culinary and medicinal worlds. It is believed to have originated in Asia, although it is now grown worldwide.

Ginger is not only delicious, but it is also high in nutrients. It can be grown organically in your garden with a few simple steps. This article will discuss how to grow ginger organically in your garden.

See How To Grow Green Onions and How To Grow Garlic.

We’ll walk you through the requirements for growing ginger organically, as well as how to fulfill them. So if you’re looking to add some spice (and nutrition) to your life, read on!

What Is the History of Ginger?

Ginger is a flowering plant that is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia (India & China). It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Ginger is also a popular spice that is used in cooking.

The origin of ginger dates back to ancient China, where it was used as a spice and medicinal properties. In India, ginger was considered an auspicious herb and was often used in religious ceremonies.

Ginger traveled to Europe with the traders and merchants who sailed from Asia to the Mediterranean. It was introduced to America in the 15th century by the English colonists.

What Are the Health Benefits of Ginger?

1. Ginger Is A Powerful Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant

Ginger is a nutritional powerhouse. It is high in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and Vitamin C. It also contains antioxidants that can help protect the body from disease.

Ginger has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties due to its bioactive compounds like gingerol, Paradols, and Shogaol. Gingerol can help treat conditions like arthritis and asthma, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders.

Paradol and shogaol anti-inflammatory properties of ginger are also responsible for preventing various cancers, from multiplying and spreading. See Foods That Increase Blood Flow.

2. Ginger Treats Nausea

Ginger is known to be effective in treating nausea and vomiting. It is most effective with nausea related to pregnancy. 12 studies were conducted on 1278 pregnant women, where 1.1-1.5 grams of ginger were effective in reducing nausea symptoms.

3. Possible Weightloss Benefits

Studies were done in 2016 and 2019 found that ginger supplementation reduces body weight, body mass index (BMI), and blood insulin levels.

4. Possible Lower Cholesterol Levels

Two studies conducted in 2008, 2018 showed participants who were given high doses of ginger found a significant reduction of LDL cholesterol levels over a 3 month period. . See more, Health Benefits Of Ginger.

5. May Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

In a study conducted in 2012, middle-aged women took ginger extract daily. The study showed evidence of improved memory and reaction time.

What Is the Importance of Ginger in Culinary?

Ginger is a delicious spice used in both sweet and savory dishes. It has a slightly spicy flavor that can add depth of flavor to many different dishes.

Ginger is a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine, but it can be used in recipes worldwide. It is especially popular in winter dishes, as it can help to warm the body.

You can also use fresh ginger in smoothies, juices, curries, stews, bread, cakes, and other drinks. It is a great way to add nutrition and flavor to your favorite beverages. See Ginger Shot Benefits.

Ginger Recipes To Prepare

What Are the Growing Requirements for Ginger?

Ginger is a great choice for organic gardeners. Most gardeners will find that they can grow ginger quite easily. However, growing ginger requires a few specific things. Let’s take a look at the complete growing requirements for ginger.

Location Requirements

Ginger needs a warm, sunny location to grow properly. It will not tolerate cold weather and can be damaged or killed by frost. It grows best in hardiness zones 9 through 12.

Sunlight Requirements

Ginger needs two to five hours of direct sunlight each day. It will not do well in shaded areas or locations with too much shade. However, it can be grown in containers and moved to a sunny location when needed.

Soil Requirements

Ginger needs well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between pH of 5.5 and 6.5. Otherwise, the ginger may not grow well or produce any rhizomes.

Water Requirements

Ginger needs a lot of water to grow well. It should be watered regularly, especially during the summer months. If the soil is allowed to dry out, the ginger may not grow well or die.

Fertilizer Requirements

Ginger needs a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to grow well. You can give it a balanced organic fertilizer or a nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer. It is also good to mulch the soil around the ginger plants to help retain moisture.

How to Grow Ginger Organically in Your Garden?

Now that you know ginger’s growing requirements, let’s walk you through how to grow ginger organically in your garden. You can follow these simple steps to have a successful ginger harvest.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

As we mentioned earlier, ginger needs a warm, sunny location to grow properly. Make sure the location you choose meets these requirements.

Also, make sure the pH of the soil is between pH of 5.5 and 6.5. You can get your soil tested at a local nursery or garden center.

You can also grow ginger in a container, but it will need to be moved to a sunny location during the summer months.

Step 2: Amend the Soil

Ginger needs well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. You can amend the soil by adding compost or other organic matter. Be sure to mix the organic matter well so that the ginger’s roots can easily access it.

If your soil is not well-drained, you can create a raised bed or grow ginger in a container. Raised beds are great for gardeners in cold climates, as they can help to keep the roots of your plants warm.

Step 3: Plant the Rhizomes/Tubers

Ginger can be grown from rhizomes or tubers. When starting with a rhizome, make sure it is firm and healthy. You can cut the rhizome into small pieces and plant them in the soil.

Make sure each piece has at least one eye (the ginger root). You can plant the rhizome horizontally, just below the soil’s surface. The spacing between each piece should be about 12 inches.

You can purchase ginger rhizomes or tubers online or at your local nursery. Ensure the tubers you get are organic, chemical-free, and not of those GMO varieties.

Step 4: Water and Fertilize

Ginger needs a lot of water to grow well. Be sure to water it regularly, especially during the summer months.

Ginger also needs a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to grow well. You can give it a balanced organic fertilizer or a nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer. These organic fertilizers can be purchased online or at your local nursery.

You can also make your own organic fertilizer by composting kitchen scraps, such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells.

Step 5: Protect from Pests and Diseases

Ginger is susceptible to pests and diseases. You can protect it by using organic pesticides and fungicides. Many natural, organic options are available that will not harm the environment or your plants.

You can use organic pesticides such as neem oil, pyrethrin, or spinosad for insect control. You can also use a homemade insecticidal spray of garlic and vegetable oil.

Step 6: Harvest the Ginger

Once your ginger plants have grown a few inches, you can start to harvest the rhizomes. Be sure to harvest them when they are firm and have a healthy color.

It takes around eight to ten months for ginger plants to mature. You can harvest the rhizomes at any time, but they will be most flavorful when harvested fresh.

On-time harvesting is important, so be sure to harvest your ginger regularly. If you allow the rhizomes to grow too large, they will become tough and woody.

You can also harvest ginger after four to six months for partial harvest. This will allow the rest ginger plants to continue to grow.

Step 7: Post-harvest Treatment

Once you have harvested your ginger, you need to store it properly. You can store fresh ginger in the refrigerator or freezer.

If you are going to store it in the refrigerator, wrap the rhizomes in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag. They will keep for about two weeks.

If you are going to freeze the ginger, blanch it in boiling water for three minutes and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for about six months.

You can also prepare Ginger Juice, pour the juice in ice cube trays, and place it in the freezer until frozen solid. Use frozen ginger juice within 6 months.

Add ginger cubes to your favorite drinks, dishes, and stir. Add to pineapple juice, herbal teas, curries, stews.

Does Ginger Grow All Year Round?

While ginger is a tropical plant that originated in Asia, it can be grown in temperate climates. The best growing zones are zones nine through twelve. So, ginger can be grown all year round in these climates.

Ginger cannot be grown all year round in colder regions because it will go dormant during the winter months but will resume growing when the weather warms up.

How to Grow Ginger in Colder Regions?

While you cannot grow ginger outside all year round in colder regions, you can still enjoy this delicious herb by growing it in a container. You can place the container in a sunny spot indoors or a greenhouse.

Ginger will go dormant during the winter months, but you can keep the container inside and water it occasionally. When the weather warms up, you can move the container back outdoors, and it will resume growing.

Organically grown ginger is a healthy addition to your garden. Not only does it add visual interest, but it also provides nutritious value.

Conclusion

Ginger is a tasty herb that can be grown organically in the garden. It offers many nutritional benefits, and it’s an attractive garden addition for those who live in warmer regions or year-round growing zones.

Growing ginger is not difficult, and with some knowledge about its requirements and proper care guidelines, you can have this delicious herb ready to harvest. We hope this article has helped you learn how to grow ginger organically in your garden.

How To Grow Ginger Organically: A Gardeners Guide

What Is the History of Ginger?

What Are the Health Benefits of Ginger?