Growing Ginger: The Start of GrowAlong2025

Jan 15

Ginger. No, not the hair color, though that’s cool too. I’m talking about the zesty, aromatic root that adds magic to your cooking and makes you feel like a homesteading hero when you grow it yourself. Love it? Well, so do I! Last year, growing ginger was on my must-learn list. Spoiler: it wasn’t all smooth sailing. But hey, gardening isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence.

Here’s the story of how I learned to grow ginger, one misstep at a time, and how you can grow it right along with me this year. Let’s dive in.

Lessons From Last Year’s Ginger Fiasco

1. Planting Too Shallow and Too Late
First mistake: I didn’t plant my ginger deep enough. Second mistake: I started it way too late. (Quick tip: The ideal planting time varies depending on your location. I recommend starting indoors in late winter to early spring.)

2. Neglecting Proper Drainage
After I finally got the ginger to sprout—yay! —I left it in the starter pot. Then the rains came, and my pot didn’t have drainage holes. Result? Waterlogged, smelly, rotten ginger. Pro tip: Always drill those holes, folks.

3. Overwatering Issues
Even after rescuing the rhizomes and planting them in the ground, I faced irrigation system drama. Too much water is just as bad as too little. (We’ll talk water tips later.)

Despite all this, I ended up with a few pounds of homegrown ginger. I dried and microplaned it, and it’s been the star of my ramen soups ever since. Check out my "Eat The Food You Grow" blog for recipes!

How to Grow Ginger Like a Pro

Step 1: Choose the Right Ginger
Start with organic ginger rhizomes. Grocery store ginger is often treated with growth inhibitors, so opt for untreated rhizomes from a nursery or a trusted supplier. (Check out Greenhouse PCA—not a sponsor yet, but I’ve got my hopes up!)

Step 2: Prep Your Pot and Soil
Grab a pot with plenty of drainage holes. Fill it about two-thirds full with my "super-secret" mix: indoor potting soil, coir, and vermiculite. Mix it well for a loose, well-draining medium.

Step 3: Plant the Rhizomes
Place the ginger rhizome with the buds (the knobby bits) facing up. Cover it completely with soil, and give it a good spritz of water. Add a layer of wood chips on top to retain moisture, then spray again.

Step 4: Create a Mini-Greenhouse
Cover the pot with plastic wrap to trap heat and moisture. Leave it on until the ginger sprouts and reaches the plastic, which usually takes 2-4 weeks.

Step 5: Provide Proper Lighting
Ginger loves warmth and light. Use a grow light to keep it happy indoors. (Check out my Indoor Gardening course for lighting tips!)

Step 6: Water Regularly
Ginger likes consistently moist soil. Don’t let it dry out, but avoid waterlogging it. It’s a balance—think Goldilocks: not too wet, not too dry.

Moving Ginger Outdoors

When the weather warms up in spring (April-May for most zones), it’s time to transition your ginger outdoors. Be sure to harden it off first by gradually introducing it to outdoor conditions over a week.

Why Grow Ginger?

Growing ginger teaches patience and persistence, but the rewards are worth it. There’s nothing like enjoying a meal made with something you grew yourself. Whether it’s for tea, soup, or stir-fry, fresh ginger elevates your cooking—and your gardener cred.

Join me in the #GrowAlong2025 challenge! Share your ginger-growing journey and tag @MattTheGardenGuy on Facebook or Instagram. I’ll be posting updates throughout the season, so stay tuned!

Keep Growing,
Matt The Garden Guy