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07 Mar 19 Catherine Hogan (Australia - temperate climate)

I would love to grow fresh ginger but am concerned that my particular local climate might be against me. I live in northwest Sydney in Kellyville and we get stinker summers and really cold and sometimes, frosty winters. I'm thinking pot grown is probably the best so that I can move it around during extremes of weather. I've bought some ginger from the supermarket but now think I should have waited till Spring. Can I start it now? What is the best approach when growing from a chunk purchased at the supermarket? regards Catherine

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21 Apr 19 liz Burke (Australia - temperate climate)

hello catherine. i live in the yarra valley of victoria and, at the end of last year i planted a piece of supermarket ginger. i'm not a great gardener but have managed to produce some plants from it. so it can be done. what i'm planning on doing this year is waiting for the plants to turn yellow and then i'm going to tip it all out (it's in a polystyrene box at the moment) and repot the young rhizomes in one of those large, black pots. it was kept moist during the summer months in a very sunny spot outside but is going to be left now without a great deal of water. then, it's going into a north facing sunny room to over winter. give it a go - you might be pleasantly surprised! cheers!

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17 Apr 19 Kel (Australia - arid climate)

Ginger will grow well where you live in Sydney. I grew it for years in the well draining garden beds in the ground, whilst living both at Badgerys Creek and Kurrajong areas. I now successfully grow it in pots in Canberra. Check out you tube for tips on the right shade, moisture and harvest tips. . I recommend watching 2 videos: one from Mark from north Qld ‘self sufficient me,’ & other one: ginger in a cold climate from Curtis Stone, for some skills. Ginger from the supermarket is not likely to grow if it’s not australian, because it is fumigated for import. Best success will be Organic Australian to get you started Be patient with ginger and do not over water it in winter. I didn’t use sand to mix in Sydney because it held too much moisture, so look into that. Vermiculite and perlite are good options, depending on whether in pots or in beds. All references are mentioned in good faith and without sponsorship. Hopefully you’ll find the information more helpful than my few words. Good luck :)

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10 Mar 19 Ann (Australia - tropical climate)

Hi Catherine, Although I'm in tropical, I have found as long as they have shade as mine are under the edge of a large macadamia tree in a pot they are fine. That way we can measure how much water they are getting to regulate it. It gets afternoon sun for about an hour and it has never been happier. That goes for my tumeric too. I hope this helps.

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