Ginger

Ginger is a tropical plant that looks like a stunted little corn plant. It generally will not tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Edible ginger cultivation follows more or less the same rules as container citrus cultivation in the northern areas. Ginger can even be grown in Iceland if a sunny window in a warm house is available. The ginger that one buys at the supermarket is usually fine for planting material. If the rhizomes aren’t damaged, they’ll likely sprout once placed in a pot of soil.

PHOTO: Zoonar/O.Kovach/Thinkstock

Size: 2 to 4 feet tall

Sunlight requirements: Shady environment away from direct sunlight

Water requirements: Regular and frequent watering; Indoor specimens should be regularly misted

Soil requirements: Rich, well-drained soil

When to plant: Spring

Where to plant: In a pot filled with rich potting mixture

When to harvest: After three to four months

Produce storage: In dry cupboard or refrigerator

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