With the arrival of colder days, it becomes easier to catch colds or infections. However, we can protect our body by growing a certain plant on our windowsill that will strengthen our immunity. Its cultivation is not complicated, but it is worth knowing the basics of care so that it can develop well.
When wondering what is worth having on your windowsill so that it not only looks good, but can also benefit our health, it is worth planting ginger (Zingiber officinale). It is known for its immune-boosting properties thanks to the content of gingerol, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Therefore Eating it regularly can help fight infections by improving the functioning of the immune system. Additionally, ginger supports circulation and accelerates metabolism, which may promote better regeneration of the body. If you want to plant ginger, you should choose fresh rhizomes that have no damage or mold. It is also worth making sure that the branches have visible eyes from which the shoots will grow.
However, before we plant the ginger rhizome, soak them in water for about 1-2 days. Small rhizomes can be planted whole, and larger ones must be divided into smaller pieces about 3 cm thick. It is worth dividing them so that each piece has at least one eye. Then we put our pieces aside for 2 days so that the tissues in the place of cutting dry and do not rot after putting them in the ground.
It is also worth knowing what conditions to provide ginger so that it can develop healthily. It is best to place it in a wide and shallow place which has drainage holes. Let’s also provide the plant with a thick drainage layer.
In turn, when it comes to the substrate, it would be best to have it fertile, permeable and light with a pH close to neutral. The position for ginger is also important, it should be bright and lit enough for diffused sunlight to fall on the plant for 2-5 hours a day.
Let’s also remember that ginger needs a high temperature, preferably around 22-25 degrees Celsius. We also need to ensure the appropriate level of air humidity. You can do this by placing the pot on a stand with pebbles and water or using an air humidifier. However, avoid spraying the plant to avoid rotting the developing leaves.
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In addition, you need to take care of your ginger. For proper growth, it needs constantly moist soil with no water stagnation. Therefore, you should only plant ginger when the top layer of soil dries out. Be careful not to saturate the soil too much to prevent the plant from rotting.
In the case of ginger in the initial stage of development, fertilization is not necessary, as long as the plant is planted in fertile soil. However, we must control our specimen and when yellow discoloration appears on its leaves, you should react because it indicates a deficiency of nutrients. Then you need to provide the ginger with liquid fertilizer.
In turn, during the period of intensive growth, the plant must be systematically fertilized. Therefore, in spring and summer it is necessary feed ginger with natural fertilizer and use mineral fertilizer once a month.
