Ginger (Zingiber officinale), often known as luya in the Philippines, is a primary ingredient in Filipino dishes like tinola and Lugaw. The plant is grown for its aromatic roots, which give any food a sweet and spicy flavor.
It’s also known for its numerous health advantages because it’s high in antioxidants and chemicals that protect the body’s DNA from stress and damage. Ginger may also aid in the prevention of chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and lung disease, as well as promote healthy aging.
In the Philippines, the native ginger cultivar known as Imugan is widely grown. It has a high fiber content and is disease resistant.
How To Grow Ginger In Pots In The Philippines
The following are detailed steps to grow ginger in posts in the Philippines.
Growing ginger in containers and garden is popular among home gardeners because its roots are used in a Filipino treatment known as Salabat, or ginger tea, which is believed to treat and prevent colds, coughs, flu, and sore throats, especially during the rainy season.
Choose a nice variety of ginger roots that are mature, healthy, and free of infections and wounds while growing ginger. Learn more about choosing good seeds and cultivars for planting here.
Prepare the soil media next. Carbonized rice husk, vermicast, and compost in a 1:1:1 ratio should make up the optimum soil. Ginger plants, like most plants, are dependent on the type of soil medium they are grown in, which is why the soil must be rich in minerals and nutrients.
Put the soil media in a big container, such as a sack or a large polybag, after it has been produced. Then, dig a five to an eight-centimeter-deep hole in the soil and plant the ginger root. Fill the ginger root with soil and put the container in a brightly lit area.
Water the plants as often as necessary, particularly on hot days. It’s also necessary to keep the soil loose by removing grass or weeds regularly. Digging up the soil regularly might also aid in achieving this goal.
Recommended: Check our guide to the best containers for growing ginger
Feeding your ginger with fertilizer
The following are processes of fertilizing potted ginger in the Philippines.
When ginger plants start to sprout, you can tell they’re set to be fertilized. Use vermicast for natural supply. For a more traditional approach, dig a one- to two-centimeter-deep hole around the plant before putting one tablespoon of a 14:14:14 full fertilizer.
Pests And Diseases
The following are common pests and diseases that affect ginger and how to control them.
- Bacterial wilt, rhizome rot, and leaf spot are among diseases that affect ginger plants.
- Shoot/stem borer, cutworm, mealybugs, and grub are all prevalent pests.
- Ginger plants must be managed regularly and their environments must be kept clean to prevent inviting pests and diseases.
- The ginger roots can be collected after six to nine months. If the plants’ leaves have started to yellow and dry out, that’s a sign they’re ready to harvest.
Consumers can benefit from ginger roots in a variety of ways. It not only adds flavor and scent to a variety of foods, but it also offers several health benefits in addition to being a great cough, cold, flu, and sore throat treatment.
