6 tips on how to grow and harvest your own ginger

Ginger, which is gaining popularity for its health benefits, can be found in kitchens around the world for both medicinal and culinary purposes. It is known for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties as well as its use as a powerful digestive aid.

Ginger is another one of those plants that people don’t think to add to their gardening space but is really quite simple to grow. Go ahead and give it a try. These six tips will make it even easier.

1. Plant after frost-free date
Ginger originates from subtropical or tropical climates and doesn’t grow well in the cold. If you’re going to plant it in the ground, get it in as early as you can after the frost-free date for your area. The USDA offers a plant hardiness zone map.

2. Find a spot with part shade
Pick a location that gets dappled shade during the day or is shaded at times where the sun’s intensity is at its strongest. If you are unsure about the differences in shade/part shade/sun, check out Gardening with Confidence for a quick description.

3. Provide loose, well-composted soil
To encourage good rhizome growth, it’s best to have soil that is loose and extremely well-composted. Add two to three inches of finished compost to the surface and work it in well before planting if necessary. Avoid soils that have a high clay content and don’t allow good water movement.