Healthy spice plant: Growing ginger in pots made easy
Growing ginger in a pot isn’t as difficult as it might initially seem, even if you don’t have a green thumb. All you need to know are the tools you should use and the steps you should take to ensure the plant grows healthily and naturally. In fact, ginger is a natural antiseptic that helps cleanse the body and boost the immune system. Although many people only use it for flu-like symptoms, once you enjoy its distinctive flavor, you can incorporate it into your daily diet. This is the most difficult part, because ginger has such a peculiar taste that it’s difficult to consume.
To achieve this, it is necessary to gradually incorporate it into dishes that can enhance its original flavor. It is usually used to enhance the flavor of soups, broths, or cooked vegetables such as spinach and carrots.
Ginger: A tropical plant
Ginger belongs to the ginger family, along with cardamom and turmeric, which are known for their nutrient-rich properties. They are considered magical medicinal spices used primarily in traditional Indian cuisine.
The ginger plant has orange or yellow flowers and rather slender, lush green leaves. It is a perennial plant that can reach a height of up to one meter. Because it is native to tropical regions, it particularly prefers a warm and sheltered location.
Ginger in a pot: Tips from experts
Start by buying organic ginger rhizomes or organic ginger roots. In fact, the ginger root you buy at the supermarket has undergone a germination-inhibiting process.
Next, get a wide and deep pot, as the roots need plenty of space to grow properly. Even better, use a large garden tub or planter. As for the soil, prepare it by mixing 50% mature compost and 50% sand and clay. The compost will help nourish the plant, while the sand and clay will retain some moisture, which is beneficial for the growth of the shoots.
The soil should be well-drained, but that doesn’t mean the water should stagnate. The soil should be moist but not wet, so ideally, you should water once a day, preferably in the afternoon.
Ginger root can be harvested five months after planting, only when the leaves wilt. Planting should take place between autumn and early summer in an environment that does not exceed 15°C.
