Planting ginger roots

While your itching to get your hands back in the dirt, here's another experiment you can try indoors. Planting ginger root! It's relatively simple and requires some patience. Also, while you're waiting for the new ginger roots to grow, enjoy the grass like foliage that will emerge first. Ginger grass is like very mild ginger with a hint of lemon and can be added to asian dishes and soups. You'll notice that the grass can grow more than a foot, thus select an area that can accomodate it.

Purchase a firm, plump, ginger root in the grocery store. Those with jointed sections ready to break apart and plant are the best choice, but the larger roots can be cut, if necessary.

Look for eyes on the ginger rhizome. These indentations produce tiny buds that develop into a new plant -- much like the eyes on potatoes. Select a section with at least two eyes for planting.

Planting ginger roots

Fill a container with rich soil. A combination of equal parts compost, peat moss and perlite makes a suitable soil, as it helps retain moisture while promoting good aeration and proper drainage. If you prefer, sandy loam can be used in place of perlite.

Plant the ginger roots to a depth of 2 to 4 inches and cover with soil. Firm down with your hands to secure the roots.

Caring for ginger
Water thoroughly until water runs freely through the bottom of the container. If you are starting it inside, place the planted ginger root in a sunny location. Keep the soil evenly moist. New shoots should appear within a few weeks. Develop a regular watering routine to prevent the soil from drying out between watering, as ginger prefers moist soil and high humidity.

Placing pebble trays near your ginger plant during the winter raises the humidity level and is preferable to misting -- but either will work.

Fertilize with water-soluble fertilizer or fish emulsion once or twice a month to replace nutrients lost from watering.

Moving ginger outside

When spring arrives, place the container in a warm, sheltered location, especially if you live in a southern climate. Ginger grown in northern climates reportedly can tolerate more sun, as the sun's rays are less intense. Use your plant's health as a guide for determining the amount of light it prefers.

Harvesting

Ginger root is ready for harvesting approximately 8 to 10 months from planting. Starting it inside during December should produce edible roots by September.

To harvest, cut back foliage -- if it has not died back on its own -- and dig up the roots. Save the best roots for replanting.