Growing Ginger and Turmeric in Autopots

Look no further if you are looking for superfoods that are easy to grow at home. I discovered ginger and turmeric are easy to grow and produce surprisingly large yields indoors in the Autopot system. If you are unfamiliar with Autopots, they are a gravity-fed bottom watering system. I mention them instead of growing conventionally because ginger and turmeric grow bigger and faster in this system. I tried regular pots and hand feeding, but it wasn’t the same. I have also tried to grow them outside, but they prefer the consistent tropical conditions of my grow room: 26°C and 50-60% RH.

Accidental Growing Ventures

Ginger was my first interest, and I grew it by accident. One day, I noticed an old piece of ginger on the counter sprouting a green shoot. I had been harvesting some plants that week and had my Autopots sitting without plants but still full of soil with a cut trunk. I nestled three pieces around the trunk and gave it some plain water.

Within about a week, I noticed the plant was growing. So, as I cleaned up the rest of the garden, I kept my ginger project going and planted two other pots. The plant grew and grew. Within two months, I had grown an impressive-looking plant. Ginger looks like tall grass when it grows, and knowing what prize could be lurking under the soil kept my interest piqued.

The Harvest of all Harvests

I let the plant grow for another six to eight weeks and knew it was time to harvest because all the sides of the pot were warping out under the pressure of growing roots. I had no idea what to expect with that first plant, and I was blown away! I harvested three and a half pounds of the most beautiful ginger ever. Ginger from a supermarket is brown with tough skin. But freshly harvested ginger is off-white, pale yellow, and purple when first picked. It develops the skin over a week or so when exposed to the elements.

Have you met Turmeric?

About two months into the project, I realized I needed to start more roots. I went to my local health food store because I assumed organic ginger would root better than the regular supermarket variety. I have since discovered that it all grows well, and finding ginger with little sprouts is best. Searching for the perfect ginger is how I ended up growing turmeric. It was just sitting beside the ginger, and I thought, what the hell? Turmeric grows differently than ginger; unlike the thin grass-like structure, turmeric has broad leaves similar to a palm. It takes up more room than ginger, so consider the size when planting. It takes about four to five months from root to harvest, like ginger.

Medicinal Staples

It has been seven years since my first batch of these medicinal crops. Ginger and turmeric are staples in our house and we consume them regularly. Turmeric boasts many health benefits. Curcumin, its active compound, possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These attributes make turmeric a powerful natural remedy for alleviating joint pain, reducing inflammation, and combating oxidative stress. Studies suggest it helps in managing conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and even certain cancers. Additionally, turmeric is linked to improved cognitive function and mood regulation.

Ginger, revered for centuries in traditional medicine, also offers various health benefits. Its bioactive compound, gingerol, provides the same benefits as curcumin. This root also alleviates nausea, eases digestive discomfort, and relieves muscle pain. Ginger may help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, contributing to heart health. Research suggests it possesses antimicrobial properties, potentially bolstering the immune system.

Whether consumed fresh, dried, or as a tea, both roots can provide a flavorful and natural boost to overall health and well-being. Plus, they are easy and fun to grow!