How to grow store bought ginger

Growing your own ginger isn't hard and you can start with the ginger rhizomes you get at your local store. Buy once and have plenty of fresh ginger each year. 

Grab some fresh ginger from your local store.

Organic is better, or whatever is available. Look for fresh ginger which is firm and full. And ginger with the little green buds forming is a good sign. 

Give it a bath

Soak your ginger in water overnight. It's often sprayed with a growth inhibitor to prevent it sprouting in transit and while on the shelf. Soaking it helps to remove the inhibitor and revitalise its moisture content. 

Snap!

Break your ginger into pieces so you can plant and grow ginger. The green buds (if your ginger has them) are where it will sprout, so use that as an indicator of where to break it. 

Dry it out

Now give it some time to dry out a little. Place the ginger pieces in a cool dry position (shelf) and let them air dry for a few days. 

Time to plant

Plant your pieces 5cm / 2 inches deep into the soil in a 1-2 litre / 0.5 gallon pot. Place it in the shade and keep the soil slightly moist, but not wet. In 8 months or so you should have plenty of fresh ginger growing. 

Harvest, eat, repeat

You'll know your ginger is ready when the long thing leaves start to yellow and brown off. Dig up your ginger roots, wash them off and store them in a dry cool place. Use some immediately for the amazing zing of fresh ginger. You can also eat the stalks in salads or other dishes. Ginger is a fantastic immunity booster. 

Replant some smaller pieces of your ginger for next season. If you keep the rhizomes in soil and don't overwater them, they shoot again when it's time. 

Enjoy growing ginger at home and comment if you've had success.

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