Ginger may not seem like the most exciting of plants to grow at home. However, there are plenty of reasons to try and add a ginger plant to your garden! From health benefits including stomach aches, nausea, and nausea, all the way down to the smell of fresh ginger that fills your home even in the dead of winter.

What is Ginger?

Ginger is a tropical evergreen shrub and belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. It grows up to 3 feet tall, with a spread of 2 feet. The leaves are ovate-oblong and measure 1.5 to 3 inches long and 0.6 to 1 inch wide. The flowers are yellow, with five petals, and are in clusters at the top of the stem. There are two types of ginger, wild ginger and domesticated ginger.

Wild ginger is found in warm climates all over the world, while domesticated ginger is mostly grown in Asia. The two types have different flavors and usages. Wild ginger has a stronger flavor, but domesticated ginger is more versatile because it can be used in many different dishes. Both types of ginger can be grown indoors or outdoors, but they need sunlight for growth.

Benefits of Ginger

Ginger is a perennial herb that can be found growing wild in many areas of the world. The ginger root is used for medicinal purposes, and has been found to have a number of health benefits. Here are just a few:

1. Ginger can help reduce inflammation.

2. Ginger can help improve digestion.

3. Ginger can help reduce nausea and vomiting.

4. Ginger can help improve circulation.

5. Ginger can help reduce anxiety and stress levels.

How to Grow Ginger at Home

If you enjoy ginger in your cooking, adding a small piece to your garden may be a great way to get the flavor you love without having to leave the comfort of your home. Ginger is easy to grow, and can be grown in most climates. Here are five tips on how to grow ginger at home:

1. Choose a sunny location. Ginger grows best in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

2. Prepare the soil. Add organic matter such as compost, manure or leaves to improve the soil before planting ginger. A good amendment for acid soils is sulfur.

3. Plant ginger rootings about 12 inches deep and 12 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart. Space plants 2 feet away from other plants in the garden to allow for adequate light and air circulation. Mulch around the plants after planting will help conserve moisture and keep weeds down.

4. Fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer diluted by half and water sparingly during dry periods. Apply water generously when new growth begins; watering frequently will promote strong roots and encourage plant growth throughout the season.

5. Harvest ginger when desired by cutting off the top of the root ball with a sharp knife or hand pruners. Cut any remaining pieces of ginger off at the base of the plant as desired. The pieces can be dried and stored in an airtight container until needed, or they can be frozen to preserve use all season long.

Care for Your Grown Gingers

To grow ginger successfully, it is important to provide it with adequate sunlight, moisture, and fertilizer. While ginger will grow in most soil types, it is recommended to use a composted mixture for best results. To pest control, ginger can be covered with fabric during the winter months.

Final Words

If you are thinking of growing ginger in your home, the following advice will help you succeed. First, choose a healthy Ginger rootstock. Second, get the right kind of soil and water it correctly. Third, be patient – ginger takes time to grow! Finally, enjoy your new ginger crop!