I just started doing this again a few weeks ago (after maybe a 30 year hiatus) I splurged on a 2-tray thing from Pinetree. It came w/10 bags of different sprouts, so used that rto justfy the $20. I tried some sprouts I've never done b4...the wheat one were the BEST. I mean, really excellent, crunchy and nutty. It's fun to let some grow out past the point where they are great to eat, & you get to see what seeds do underground...when the wheat ones had totally maxed out their energy they had beautiful big cotelydons (sp?) on one end and gorgeous roots on the other...and no seed left in the middle, just a tired out empty hull. It's so beautiful to watch these guys grow; and tasty too! Donna

I've grown ginger before, but I'm a complete newbie to turmeric. Accordingly, I have a whole bunch of questions! When I plant my turmeric rhizomes, which I have already bought, how deep do the roots go? I suspect they don't need a lot of depth. Maybe someone can fill me in on this point? I also read a lot how to cook turmeric and turn it into a powder. Is it ever eaten fresh? If the leaves and flowers are equally edible, are there recipes for this? Do they have to be cooked first? I've been reading up on it, and I know that turmeric is a very tender tropical, so here in Connecticut, it will come inside and be dormant for the winter. Tips on culture and use will be greatly appreciated--thanks! --Rick in CT

I have since seen other guides that also suggest hilling in containers. There are still bunches out there that just tell you to plant at the surface of the pot. But at least now I know better, LOL! It has been a bit over 8 months since planting and the shoots are starting to die back right on schedule. I plan to repot in a larger, deeper pot, with about 6" of medium in the bottom, then put in the buds, cover that up, and add medium as the shoots grow up. Now that I've actually grown the stuff myself, I can see how it forms rhizomes up the stem - so I know I won't get much in the way of new rhizomes this time since there was no hilling going on (eg no buried shoot along which to form new rhizomes). Next time! BTW, it did fine in a south facing window all winter with no additional lighting. Actually not a window - but in front of the patio doors. I did go to the extent of moving the screen back and forth so it didn't block the sun as the day progressed. We get a LOT of sun and that patio door is totally unobstructed, and it seemed fine.

>>>>>>>>>>>>Posted by nygardener z6 New York (My Page) on Fri, Dec 21, 07 at 22:16 There is a (reputedly) edible cold-hardy ginger, Asarum canadense, which is sold as a ground cover for a shady, woodland spot. Oh yeah any one else know this plant? was pretty excited to see it posted here. I can truley verify its Cold Super Hardiness For it grows all over around here in the wild and its darn near zone 2 here. Not really what you would think of as a ginger though. Taste is much differnt-closer to galangal. And the root"lets" are tiny little things. mayber the size of a one inch piece of pencil. But It is a gorgeous little ground coverwith heart shaper leaves and My personal favorite wildflowere, seriously, ok one of them. a truely unique looking flower, split in thirds,that hides completely unknown under a miniature jungle canopy an inch off the ground to be pollinated by beattles I believe or something the like. Maybe its not cold enough for the rest of you though? thats a first. I magine having to dig them up in the fall, pot, and store in your chest freezer! rediculous.