Post by Rik Wallin on Apr 6, 2007 12:35:19 GMT -6
Growing Ginseng
"Ginseng must be grown in partial shade in open woodland or under lath structures. The soil must be fairly light and well fertilized with woods earth, rotted leaves or fine raw bonemeal, the bonemeal applied at the rate of 1 pound to each square yard.. Seed is planted in Spring as early as the soil can be worked. Seeds are placed 6 inches apart each way in the permanent beds OR 2 by 6 inches in the seed beds. Seedlings are transplanted to stand 6 to 8 inches apart when 2 years old. The beds should at all times be kept free of weeds and grass and the surface of the soil slightly stirred whenever it shows signs of caking. A winter mulch is needed, applied when freeezing weather begins and removed in early spring. The roots do not reach marketable size until the fifth or sixth year. Protect from mice and other rodents."
Two books which have reliable info and which may be out of print but would probably be in your public library are:
- The Herb Book by John Lust. Benidict Lust Publications in hard cover and Bantam Books in paperback . My copy is 1975 , but I believe later printings are still available.
- e other one is THE HERBALIST by Joseph E.Meyer.
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"The roots do not reach marketable size until about the fifth or sixth year, when they are dug carefully washed or shaken free from all the adhering soil. The trade accepts only whole roots; hence they must be dried in that form. This is best done in a well ventilated room heated to about 90 degrees F. Considerable time is required to cure the larger roots properly, (another source says up to a month) and much care must be taken to prevent overheating and molding." (No indication how to do this!!). When well cured the roots should be stored in a dry airy place until ready for sale."
Betty Jacobs
"Ginseng must be grown in partial shade in open woodland or under lath structures. The soil must be fairly light and well fertilized with woods earth, rotted leaves or fine raw bonemeal, the bonemeal applied at the rate of 1 pound to each square yard.. Seed is planted in Spring as early as the soil can be worked. Seeds are placed 6 inches apart each way in the permanent beds OR 2 by 6 inches in the seed beds. Seedlings are transplanted to stand 6 to 8 inches apart when 2 years old. The beds should at all times be kept free of weeds and grass and the surface of the soil slightly stirred whenever it shows signs of caking. A winter mulch is needed, applied when freeezing weather begins and removed in early spring. The roots do not reach marketable size until the fifth or sixth year. Protect from mice and other rodents."
Two books which have reliable info and which may be out of print but would probably be in your public library are:
- The Herb Book by John Lust. Benidict Lust Publications in hard cover and Bantam Books in paperback . My copy is 1975 , but I believe later printings are still available.
- e other one is THE HERBALIST by Joseph E.Meyer.
***************************
"The roots do not reach marketable size until about the fifth or sixth year, when they are dug carefully washed or shaken free from all the adhering soil. The trade accepts only whole roots; hence they must be dried in that form. This is best done in a well ventilated room heated to about 90 degrees F. Considerable time is required to cure the larger roots properly, (another source says up to a month) and much care must be taken to prevent overheating and molding." (No indication how to do this!!). When well cured the roots should be stored in a dry airy place until ready for sale."
Betty Jacobs