Ginger Is a Commonly Used Seasoning: Planting Time, Benefits and Effects, and Key Cultivation Techniques
Ginger is one of the indispensable auxiliary ingredients in kitchen cooking, and it is generally grown in the central-eastern, southeastern and western provinces of China. Besides removing fishiness and enhancing freshness in dishes, ginger also has the effect of relieving cough and stopping vomiting. So when is the ginger planting time? What are the key points of ginger cultivation techniques? How is ginger field management carried out? What are the benefits and effects of ginger?
I. Ginger planting time
The sowing time for ginger is generally from late April to early May.
In the south, ginger can be sown in March and April. Generally speaking, within the suitable sowing period, the earlier the sowing, the longer the growth period of the ginger, and the higher the yield that can be obtained. If sown too late, the growth period of the ginger is too short, and the yield will drop noticeably. Sowing from early March to early April is more suitable. There is an old farming saying, “taro at Qingming, ginger at Guyu”, which is exactly this principle. In northern regions, ginger planting must be later, generally sown from late April to early May. Of course, in low-hot river valley areas, the southern ginger planting time still applies, and ginger that has been sprouted or grown with plastic film mulching can also be planted appropriately earlier.
II. Key points of ginger cultivation techniques
Propagation is by rhizome (seed ginger), planted in holes or in rows. When digging ginger in autumn, select rhizomes that are thick, light yellow in color, glossy, and free of disease, insect damage and scars as seed ginger, and store them in a cellar or indoors in layers with fine sand for later use. In the south from January to April, and in the north in May, take out the seed ginger and keep it warm to promote sprouting, then cut the seed ginger into small pieces, each retaining 1-2 strong buds.
For hole planting, open holes at a row spacing of 40cm×30cm, 13-17cm deep, first pour manure water into the holes, and after it seeps into the soil, place 1 piece of seed ginger flat in each hole, and finally cover with fine compost and soil. For row planting, open furrows at a row spacing of 40cm, apply base fertilizer, then plant at a plant spacing of 27cm, and cover with soil level with the ground. The Sichuan production area pays great attention to the depth of sowing. Deep sowing (digging holes about 30cm) and continuous hilling up produce certain ginger, which is the source of ginger; shallow sowing (digging holes 5-10cm) produces medicinal ginger, which is the source of dried ginger.
III. Ginger field management
After seedlings emerge, if missing plants are found, replant them in time. Carry out intertillage and weeding 3-4 times throughout the year, and topdress 4 times, mainly with organic fertilizer and compound fertilizer. During the growth period, the water requirement is relatively strict, and water must not be lacking. If wilting occurs, water in time to keep moist, and stop watering 10d before harvest.
IV. Benefits and effects of ginger
1. Appetizing and strengthening the spleen: Ginger can appetize, strengthen the spleen and enhance appetite. If a few slices of ginger are eaten before a meal, it can stimulate the secretion of saliva, gastric juice and digestive juice, and increase gastrointestinal peristalsis, thereby achieving the effect of improving appetite.
2. Cooling and refreshing: In hot weather, ginger has the effect of exciting, inducing sweating to lower body temperature, and refreshing. For patients with general summer-heat symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, chest tightness and nausea, drinking some ginger soup is of great benefit.
3. Dispersing cold pathogens: Ginger has the effect of dispersing cold pathogens. For colds, headaches, abdominal pain, etc. caused by catching cold or being chilled, drinking some ginger soup can increase blood circulation, make the whole body feel warm, and help drive out wind-cold from the body.
4. Antibacterial effect: Ginger extract has the effect of significantly inhibiting skin fungi and killing trichomonads, and can treat various carbuncles, swellings, sores and poisons. In addition, ginger water can be used as a gargle to treat bad breath and periodontitis.