Ginger is the underground stem of the Zingiber officinale plant--a tropical, perennial plant that can be grown indoors as well as outdoors, in some locations. There are hundreds of varieties of ginger, both edible and inedible. The edible varieties are known, particularly in Eastern traditions, for healing properties to help with stomach woes, the common cold, and even arthritis. Plus, it's a valuable kitchen spice that has been used in kitchens for over 4,000 yearshttp://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ginger-000246.htm.

Growing your own ginger is easy to do, as the plant requires very little care and can be grown in almost any location. Because the ginger plant prefers warm tropical weather, when growing ginger in most of the states in the U.S., you will need to plant it in a pot and bring it indoors during cold weather. Your ginger plant will be ready to harvest in just about ten months after planting, and ready to use in your own kitchen. Keep reading here to find out just how to grow ginger in your own home.

Ginger can be propagated by planting pieces of the rhizome (underground stem or root)].http://plantanswers.tamu.edu/vegetables/ginger.html Ginger Common ginger is often sold in stores as a large piece called a "hand." Each branch off the main root is then referred to as a "finger." Choose a piece that has as many fingers as possible. Each finger can be broken off and planted separately.http://www.learn2grow.com/gardeningguides/edibles/herbs/GrowYourOwnGinger.aspx

1. Select pieces of ginger that are smooth, shiny, plump, fresh and firm, not dried out.http://www.gardening-guides.com/novelties/ginger.php Grow Ginger
2. Each piece (or finger) should have two or more growth nodes.http://www.floridata.com/ref/Z/zing_off.cfm These are similar to eyes on a potato and look like little horns.
3. Soak the rhizome in water overnight.http://www.tropicalpermaculture.com/growing-ginger.html
4. Allow any cut surfaces to dry before planting them in moist soil.http://www.learn2grow.com/gardeningguides/edibles/herbs/GrowYourOwnGinger
5. You can help propagate ginger by suspending (with toothpicks) a two-inch piece of the rhizome over a glass of water. Fill the glass so that 1/3 of the ginger is submerged. Once the roots grow an inch long, you can plant it in soil.http://www.gardening-guides.com/novelties/ginger.php

• Unless you live in the extreme south (Zone 10), you will to grow or at least start your ginger in a pot indoors before moving outside.http://www.howtogrowstuff.com/edibles/herbs/how-to-grow-ginger/

• Select a pot that is at least two times in diameter as the length of the root. Most growers suggest using a pot that is about 15 inches in diameter. Your pot should have adequate drainage to ensure the roots don't become water logged.

1. Plant ginger in the late winter or early spring.
2. Fill the pot 3/4 full with soil.
3. Use a soil that is rich and well-draining. For this purpose you can use standard potting soil, or for even richer results, try using a potting mix full of organic materials such as peat, perlite, and course sand.
4. Sandy loam and clay soils should be improved with leaf mold or well-composted manure.
5. Make sure the rhizome is set so the buds are pointing up.http://tomgreenthumbgardening.blogspot.com/2006/04/how-to-grow-ginger-in-cold-climate.html
6. Cover rhizomes with an inch of soil or leave the rhizome uncovered.www.howtogrowstuff.com/edibles/herbs/how-to-grow-ginger/
7. Water the pot well.

• Ginger should not be placed outdoors until daytime temperatures exceed 75 degrees F and all danger of frost has passed.http://www.howtogrowstuff.com/edibles/herbs/how-to-grow-ginger

1. If you live in an area where water is plentiful, you can place ginger in a sunny location. If water is limited, place the ginger in a location where at least 1/3 to 1/2 of the day it will be in the shade.
2. Soil needs to be rich and well-draining.
3. Add leaf mold or well-composted manure to sandy loam and clay soils.
4. Make sure the rhizome is set so the buds are pointing up.
5. If planting multiple rhizomes in the same area, place rhizomes two to three inches apart.http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2008/03/keeping-and-harvesting-ginger.html
6. Cover rhizomes with an inch of soil.
7. Water the area well.
8. If you live in USDA Hardiness Zone 7, the foliage may freeze in the winter but will re-sprout in the spring. USDA Zones 6 and above will need to provide plants with a sunny location indoors in the winter.

• Ginger is easy to care for since it is not known for having problems with many pests or diseases. The most important things to remember is that ginger requires shade, regular water and above-freezing temperatures.

1. Ginger requires plenty of moisture when it is actively growing.
2. Water lightly until the plant becomes established.http://tomgreenthumbgardening.blogspot.com/2006/04/how-to-grow-ginger-in-cold-climate.html
3. Infrequent deep watering is better than regular light watering.https://www.easytogrowbulbs.com/index
4. Allow the soil to dry out just slightly between waterings to prevent the rhizome from rotting due too excessive moisture, but take care to never leave the soil dry for too long.
5. Water infrequently in the fall and only lightly in the winter to allow the plant to rest during naturally colder months.
6. If you live in a dryer climate, be sure to mist your plants.
7. Place the pot in a warm spot, that is at least 65 degrees F.
8. Fertilize ginger once a month with a balanced (10-10-10) fertilizer.https://www.easytogrowbulbs.com/index.asp

• Ginger will reach its peak flavor about 265 days after it is planted.http://www.learn2grow.com/gardeningguides/edibles/herbs/GrowYourOwnGinger.aspx You can harvest it after the foliage has died back in the fall or winter by digging up the roots.

1. After harvesting, roots should be scrubbed with a vegetable brush.http://leon.ifas.ufl.edu/News_Columns/2004/071804.pdf
2. Ginger can be dried by placing it in the sun. Dried ginger can be stored in a cupboard or refrigerated.
3. Fresh ginger can be stored in a plastic bag for several weeks in your refrigerator.http://plantanswers.tamu.edu/vegetables/ginger.html
4. Select a few rhizomes with good growing buds and save them for replanting.

• Now that you have fresh ginger, you might want to check out some of the great recipes that require it, such as How to Make Sushi, How to Build a Gingerbread House, How to Make Gingerbread Men, Japanese Food and Chinese Food. You might also want to expand your garden by checking out How to Grow Garlic, How to Grow Herbs or How to Start a Vegetable Garden.