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Can ginseng be grown in raised beds under a shelter?

Andrew Carberry, MPH
Food Systems Expert
Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.

Andrew Carberry, MPH

Food Systems Expert

Expert Answer

Yes, ginseng can be grown in raised beds under a shadecloth. This will result in faster growth, and a less valuable final product.

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Question

What makes ginseng lose its leaves?

Andrew Carberry, MPH
Food Systems Expert
Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.

Andrew Carberry, MPH

Food Systems Expert

Expert Answer

A Ginseng losing its leaves every Fall as part of its natural growth cycle. They will grow back.

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Does ginseng have more than one seed pod?

Community Answer

It depends on the age of the plant. Ginseng will produce larger red clusters of berries as it ages.

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Can ginseng be planted in the same location after harvesting when several years have passed?

Community Answer

Yes. I've heard the old wise tales out there about ginseng putting some kind of poison in the ground or something. It's not true. Now if you grow a dense field of ginseng, then it's probably not poison that hurts the next crop, but the fact there is little to no nutrients left in the soil or a possible disease in the ground from overpopulation of roots. That is why the wild kind can be so much more valuable than cultivated.

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Where can I buy ginseng seeds to grow?

Community Answer

You can buy the seeds from your local botanist or plant nursery (if you have one). You could also always try buying them online.

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Is there a way to make my plants less visible so animals won't eat them?

Community Answer

You can make them less visible by planting plants of the same color around them, but try to find a plant that doesn't usually attract animals.

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Can I grow ginseng in a greenhouse?

Community Answer

Yes you can, but it is much more difficult because you have to try to mimic it being grown under the shade of trees, with leafy cover. It's almost always easier to grow ginseng in a more natural environment.

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Can I grow ginseng in the middle of Tennessee?

Community Answer

Absolutely, given the right conditions. It does occur naturally in the area. Look for companion plants such as maidenhair fern, cohosh, and goldenseal. If you can find these plants, you probably have a suitable site.

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Can ginseng be planted in a row with other plants that can provide shade?

Community Answer

Absolutely. My grandmother plants eggplant, tomatoes and bitter melon near her ginseng plants.

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Can I grow ginseng in pots in Florida?

Community Answer

It would be very difficult. You would have to mimic the climate in a state such as Pennsylvania where wild American ginseng has been reported in every county. The annual cold period would be difficult to replicate.

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What climates will ginseng grow in?

Community Answer

American ginseng prefers the Eastern deciduous forest environment. It's a complex ecosystem. Consult a book on ginseng for specifics.

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Can ginseng grow under or next to hedges?

Community Answer

Yes, if you can maintain a slightly moist soil. I grow it on the north side of hedges but have to water the ginseng occasionally.

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Could ginseng be contaminated if it was fertilized with pig manure or if there were pigs in the area where it was grown or dried?

Community Answer

Yes. Any type of manure should be avoided at all times. Ginseng has a distinct taste and odor. Animal manure will produce and unsaleable root. Some folks may use small amounts of well-composted animal manure as fertilizer, but I avoid it.

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I have an area which is subject to temporary flooding from a creek for a couple of days during the fall and spring. There is other wild vegetation there. Would it be a good spot for ginseng?

Community Answer

Not likely. Ginseng needs barely moist, but well drained, soil at all times. Any type of flooding usually kills the roots from drowning, or from disease in the overly wet soil.

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