GROWING GINGER: As with almost any herb or spice, store-bought ginger cannot compare to homegrown ginger’s superior flavor and aroma. With planning and a little effort, successfully growing and enjoying ginger from your garden is possible. While this isn’t something to be started in the fall, it’s worth sharing these tips from Penn State Extension so readers have them to give it a shot when spring rolls around again.
Commonly referred to as a root, the ginger plant (Zingiber officinale) is a rhizome. The secret to successfully growing this subtropical plant in Pennsylvania’s climate is to start it in March indoors, thus allowing for four months of growth outdoors.
For planting, select a potting medium that is loose, loamy, and rich in organic matter. Place the soil in a two-part container that allows watering from the bottom.
A tray that is 11 x 21 x 4-inches provides room to propagate six pieces. Lay the ginger horizontally on top of 3 inches of moist medium and cover with an additional inch of moist potting mix. Since ginger prefers dryer soil when sprouting, you need only water from the bottom every five to seven days until sprouts appear.
After the danger of frost has passed and the evening temperatures are above 40°F, it is time to harden off your plants for five days and prepare for planting outside. A sunny site with loose, loamy, well-drained soil and a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 provides ideal growth. Place the rhizomes in a three-inch shallow trench, 3 inches deep and 12 inches apart with the sprouts just visible above the soil. The plants will require deep watering two or three times a week.
In autumn, after a frost kills the leaves, your ginger is ready for harvest. Gently dig up the beautiful cream and pink-colored ginger. Save the small rhizomes for use in stir fry or salads.
After putting ginger in a resealable plastic bag, press the air out and store it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for up to two months. Also, you may store whole or grated ginger in airtight containers in the freezer for up to six months.
