How to Grow Turmeric & Ginger
Discover Just How Easy it is to Grow Turmeric & Ginger
We all know of the vast health benefits of turmeric and ginger but believe it or not the benefits extend to the the rest of the plant as well! Ginger leaves and stems are often dried and used in teas through the Winter in various parts of Asia. Turmeric leaves play a star role in cultural dishes such as Patholi, a sweet, rice dumpling, steamed in turmeric leaves. Fresh turmeric rhizomes can be ground up into a paste and applied as a topical treatment to wounds and muscle aches. The list goes on and on for the plants’ cultural and medicnal uses.
Ginger and Turmeric grow in nearly the same way. They both grow rhizomes under the soil level while sending out 3-4 foot stalks of foilage and flowers. The rhizomes for both plants grow very close to the soil level. Ginger plants send out tall, skinny stalks with narrow leaves while turmeric has elongated, large leaves (shown on the left).
Both plants thrive in the same type of growing environment.
The ideal conditions for these varieties in regions where summer temperatures often exceed 90 degrees F is under a large tree with dappled sun.
In regions where the temperatures do not often exceed 90 degrees, they can be planted in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Too much sun can make the leaf edges crispy. It can also stunt the plant and prevent the rhizomes from developing.
Consider planting them behind a fast growing plant, like tomatoes. The tomato plant will eventually shade out the turmeric or ginger, providing the ideal growing conditions.
Both plants thrive with daily waterings. I’ve found that using a soaker hose around the base of the plant is the best way of irrigating. However, drip irrigation can also do the trick.
Aside from providing ample water and the proper amount of sun, growing these two plants are very easy! Because they take up very litle space in the garden, I love to grow them in between my other vegetables.
The leaves should be harvested sparingly during the growing season. As late Fall approaches, harvest the entire plant. If you are in a region without frost, the plant can be left in the soil for a little longer. If you want to make use of the leaves and stalks, it’s best to harvest before the cold weather sets in. Cold weather will yellow the leaves and make them inedible.
