How to grow Ginger in a Greenhouse

Introduction to Growing Ginger in a Greenhouse

Growing your own ginger (Zingiber officinale) might seem like a challenge in the UK climate, but with a greenhouse, it's surprisingly straightforward. This aromatic root vegetable brings a punchy, warming flavour to cooking and has numerous health benefits. While ginger is native to tropical Southeast Asia, UK gardeners can successfully grow this versatile plant with the right setup.

Why use a greenhouse? Ginger needs consistent warmth and humidity—conditions that are hard to maintain outdoors in British weather. A greenhouse creates the perfect microclimate, letting you grow this tropical plant even in our changeable climate.

With the protection of glass or polycarbonate, your ginger plants can thrive through spring and summer. Many gardeners have successfully grown ginger in the UK, producing flavourful roots that taste fresher and more vibrant than anything you'll find at the supermarket.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing ginger in your greenhouse, from selecting rhizomes to harvest and storage. Let's get started!

Selecting the Right Ginger for Growing

Choosing the right ginger to start with can make a big difference to your growing success. You don't need specialist suppliers—organic ginger from your local supermarket or greengrocer works perfectly well.

What to Look For:

1. Fresh, firm rhizomes: Choose pieces that feel dense and solid, not soft or shrivelled.
2. Visible growth buds: Look for small nodules similar to the "eyes" on potatoes. These are where new shoots will develop.
3. Organic preferred: Non-organic ginger may have been treated with growth inhibitors to prevent sprouting on shop shelves.

If you can only find non-organic ginger, don't worry! A simple soak can help prepare it for planting:

Pro Tip: Soak your ginger in warm water for 24 hours before planting. This helps remove any growth inhibitors and softens the rhizome, encouraging faster sprouting.

You might notice small bubbles forming during soaking—that's normal and actually helpful. Some growers add a bit of hydrogen peroxide to the soaking water to increase oxygen availability to the growth nodes.

Once your ginger has soaked, it's ready for planting. You can plant whole pieces or cut them into smaller sections, as long as each piece has at least one or two growth buds. If you do cut your ginger, let the cut surfaces dry for a day or two to form a callus before planting.

Planting and Propagation Methods

Getting your ginger off to a good start means following a few simple steps. The planting process isn't complicated, but timing and technique matter for the best results.

When to Start

In the UK, the best time to start ginger is late winter to early spring (January-February). This gives plants plenty of time to develop before being moved to the greenhouse when temperatures rise.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide:

1. Prepare your containers: Start with shallow seed trays or small pots with drainage holes.
2. Choose the right soil: Use well-draining potting mix, ideally enriched with compost.
3. Position the rhizomes: Place ginger pieces 2 inches deep with the growth buds pointing upwards.
4. Water gently: Moisten the soil but don't soak it—excess moisture can cause rot.
5. Create warm conditions: Keep at 20-25°C (68-77°F) if possible. A heated propagator works well.

One of the great things about ginger is that each rhizome can produce multiple plants. A single piece of ginger with several good growth nodes can be divided to create several plants.

After about 3-4 weeks, you should see the first shoots emerging. Once plants reach about 5-8cm (2-3 inches) tall and have developed good roots, they'll need potting on into deeper containers:

Potting On Tips:

• Choose pots at least 30cm (12 inches) deep to allow room for rhizome development
• Use fresh, nutrient-rich potting soil mixed with some compost
• Place plants slightly deeper than they were in the seed tray
• Water well after transplanting but allow the top of the soil to dry slightly between waterings

Ideal Greenhouse Conditions for Ginger

Creating the perfect environment for ginger in your greenhouse is key to success. Ginger thrives under specific conditions, and your greenhouse gives you control over these factors.

Temperature Requirements

Ginger is a tropical plant that loves warmth. For optimal growth:

• Ideal temperature: 25-30°C (77-86°F) during the day
• Minimum temperature: 15°C (59°F) - growth slows significantly below this
• Winter considerations: If keeping plants over winter, maintain at least 18°C (64°F)

Many UK gardeners treat ginger as an annual, starting fresh each year, but with a heated greenhouse, you can keep plants going year-round.

Humidity Needs

Ginger evolved in humid tropical forests, so it appreciates moisture in the air:

• Optimal humidity: Around 50%
• Creating humidity: Use a spray bottle to mist plants or place trays of water near plants
• Ventilation balance: Ensure good air movement to prevent fungal issues while maintaining humidity

Light Requirements

While ginger needs good light to grow well, it doesn't tolerate scorching direct sunlight:

• Light needs: Bright, indirect light is ideal
• Shade requirements: Provide shade during the hottest part of the day, especially in midsummer
• Signs of too much sun: Yellowing or browning leaf edges

A greenhouse with adjustable vents and shading is perfect for maintaining these conditions. You might need to adjust ventilation and shading as the seasons change to maintain the perfect growing environment.

Day-to-Day Care of Greenhouse Ginger Plants

Looking after your ginger plants isn't complicated, but consistent care makes all the difference to your harvest. Here's what you need to know about daily and weekly maintenance.

Watering Regime

Ginger needs consistent moisture but hates waterlogged soil:

• How often: Check soil moisture every 2-3 days
• Watering method: Gentle watering at soil level rather than overhead
• Moisture level: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy
• Signs of overwatering: Yellowing leaves, soft stems near the base
• Signs of underwatering: Drooping, curling leaves

Watering tip: Ginger prefers a gentle mist of water rather than a heavy flow. A spray bottle or fine-rose watering can works best.

Feeding Schedule

Ginger is a hungry plant that benefits from regular feeding:

• Fertiliser type: Use a high-potassium liquid feed (tomato fertiliser works well)
• Feeding frequency: Once a month during active growth
• Application: Apply to slightly damp soil to prevent root burn
• Winter feeding: Reduce or stop feeding during winter months if growth slows

Pest and Disease Management

Greenhouse ginger is relatively trouble-free, but watch out for:

• Red spider mites: Tiny pests that thrive in warm, dry conditions. Increase humidity and consider organic insecticidal soap if needed.
• Fungal issues: Prevent by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
• Root rot: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Always ensure pots drain freely.

Regular inspection of your plants makes spotting problems early much easier. Run your hands gently through the foliage occasionally—the distinctive ginger scent released is not only pleasant but also a good sign of healthy plants.

Choosing the Best Greenhouse for Growing Ginger

Selecting the right greenhouse can make growing ginger much easier and more successful. Since ginger needs specific conditions, certain greenhouse features are particularly beneficial.

Size Considerations

You don't need a massive greenhouse to grow ginger successfully:

• Minimum recommended size: 6x4 feet provides enough space for several ginger plants
• Height requirements: Standard height is fine—ginger rarely grows taller than 3-4 feet
• Space planning: Allow about 30cm (12 inches) between plants

Small greenhouses are often perfect for ginger cultivation, providing enough space while being easier to heat and maintain humidity.

Greenhouse Materials and Features

Different greenhouse materials and designs offer various benefits for ginger growing:

Glass Greenhouses:

• Excellent light transmission
• Better heat retention
• More permanent structure
• Typically more expensive

Polycarbonate Greenhouses:

• Good insulation properties
• Diffuses light (reducing scorching)
• Lighter weight
• Often more affordable

Useful Features for Ginger Growing:

• Adjustable roof vents for temperature control
• Side vents or louvres for air circulation
• Built-in shading or shade cloth options
• Shelving for organizing multiple pots
• Automatic vent openers to prevent overheating

Location and Positioning

Where you place your greenhouse matters for ginger success:

• Orientation: East-west orientation maximises light in winter when ginger needs it most
• Wind protection: Choose a sheltered spot if possible
• Access to water: Consider proximity to water sources for easy irrigation
• Heat consideration: Avoid placing against north-facing walls which can be too cool

Vitavia Greenhouses offer excellent options for ginger growers, with various sizes and configurations to suit different gardens and needs.

Harvesting and Storing Your Homegrown Ginger

After months of care, harvesting your ginger is a rewarding experience. Knowing when and how to harvest ensures you get the best quality and flavour from your crop.

When to Harvest

Timing your ginger harvest correctly is important:

• Early harvest: Possible after 4-5 months for young, milder ginger
• Full maturity: Usually 8-10 months after planting
• Visual indicators: Leaves turning yellow and beginning to dry out
• Seasonal timing: In the UK, this typically falls around October-November for plants started in January-February

You don't need to harvest all your ginger at once. You can carefully dig around the edges of the plant and break off pieces of rhizome as needed, leaving the rest to continue growing—a technique called "bandicooting."

Harvesting Process

Follow these steps for successful ginger harvesting:

1. Prepare the area: Have clean containers ready for your harvest
2. Reduce watering: Decrease watering 1-2 weeks before harvest to help firm up the rhizomes
3. Gentle excavation: Carefully dig around the plant with a small trowel
4. Lift carefully: Gently lift the entire plant, supporting the rhizome to prevent breakage
5. Clean: Brush off excess soil (don't wash until ready to use)
6. Save for replanting: Set aside pieces with good growth buds for next season's planting

Storage Methods

Proper storage extends the life of your precious harvest:

Short-term storage (2-3 weeks):

• Keep in a cool, dry place at around 10-15°C (50-59°F)
• Store in a paper bag or open container to prevent moisture buildup
• Check regularly for any signs of mould or softening

Long-term storage:

• Refrigeration: Wrap unpeeled ginger in paper towel, then place in a sealable bag in the vegetable drawer (lasts 1-2 months)
• Freezing: Either freeze whole pieces or grate/slice first and freeze in portions (lasts up to a year)
• Drying: Slice thinly and dry in a dehydrator or low oven for ginger powder

Preservation ideas:

• Make ginger syrup for drinks and cooking
• Create preserved ginger in sugar syrup
• Ferment for probiotic ginger beer or "ginger bug"
• Preserve in alcohol for ginger tincture

By planning your harvest and storage carefully, you can enjoy your homegrown ginger year-round, even when the plants aren't actively growing.

Benefits and Uses of Fresh Homegrown Ginger

Growing your own ginger brings many advantages beyond just the satisfaction of cultivation. The quality, flavour and versatility of homegrown ginger makes all your greenhouse efforts worthwhile.

Culinary Uses

Fresh ginger from your greenhouse has vibrant flavour that store-bought varieties simply can't match:

• Tea and drinks: Steep fresh slices in hot water for warming ginger tea, or add to smoothies and juices
• Asian cooking: Essential for stir-fries, curries, and marinades
• Baking: Add grated ginger to cakes, cookies, and breads for warm spice notes
• Preserves: Make ginger jam or crystallised ginger sweets
• Dressings: Blend into salad dressings and sauces for a punchy kick

Quick Ginger Shot Recipe:

1. Take a 2-3cm piece of fresh ginger (no need to peel if homegrown and organic)
2. Blend with 2-3 cored apples and a tablespoon of lemon juice
3. Strain through muslin for a smooth finish
4. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days

Health Benefits

Homegrown ginger offers numerous health advantages:

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Helps reduce pain and inflammation
• Digestive aid: Soothes upset stomachs and improves digestion
• Immune support: Contains compounds that help fight infections
• Nausea relief: Particularly effective against morning sickness and travel sickness
• Circulation improvement: Warms the body and promotes healthy blood flow

Many gardeners who grow chillies in their greenhouse find that ginger makes an excellent companion crop, both in growing conditions and in culinary use.

Using the Whole Plant

Don't waste any part of your homegrown ginger:

• Young stems: These have a milder flavour and can be finely chopped for stir-fries
• Mature stems: Perfect for stocks and broths, or dry them for tea
• Leaves: Add to homemade potpourri for a spicy scent
• Flower buds: Some varieties produce edible flower buds with a mild ginger flavour

Growing your own ginger creates a truly sustainable cycle, where harvest leads to replanting, reducing waste and connecting you more deeply to your food.