How to Grow Turmeric at Home

Can I grow turmeric in a domestic polytunnel? Turmeric, just like ginger, is a spice that is grown from a rhizome. In a garden polytunnel, turmeric is grown very much in the same way as ginger. Above all, what you need to know about growing turmeric is that it needs warmth.

 

When growing turmeric or ginger in your domestic polytunnel, preparation is the key. Ginger and turmeric both have one thing in common. They don't like to grow in the ground in colder climates. Even as far south as Spain, you will find that both species like to grow in pots elevated from the ground.

 

Growing Turmeric in a Garden Polytunnel

 

Your turmeric needs to be planted in pots that are elevated at least 50cm of the ground. You can build a growing bench using bricks. Simply place your bricks in a square or whatever size fits in your domestic polytunnel.

 

On top of the bricks, place a wooden top. In my domestic polytunnel, I have used an old door. I know that this sounds like a strange idea, but it does work. The space in between the ground and the cover traps the warm air. This simple method helps to keep the rhizomes warm.

 

Where Can I Buy the Rhizomes?

 

You can order the rhizomes online. But, in fact, you may as well buy them in the supermarket. Check out the vegetable aisle. Most well-stocked supermarkets sell exotic spices, but only select healthy looking ones.

 

Once you get your rhizomes home, take them out of their packaging and let them dry out and warm up for about 48 hours before planting in your garden polytunnel.

When Is the Best Time to Start Planting Your Turmeric?

 

The best time to plant turmeric is during the summer. That gives the rhizomes chance to get off to a good start.

If you plant them in May or June, they will get the chance to get going during the summer. The warm weather is almost like a little sun- kick -start for your new exotic spices.

 

Around September time, you should check on the rhizomes to find out how far they have come. If you are lucky, you could find yourself harvesting both ginger and turmeric in early October

 

Bear in mind that if the summer is cool, it will take longer for your herbs to get established. It can take as long as a year to get your first harvest.

 

Planting Turmeric and Ginger

 

Plant your rhizomes in large terracotta pots. Your pots need to be at least 20 cm. Both ginger and turmeric like to be dry. You can try to use plastic pots, but both herbs will do better in terracotta pots.

 

The size of the rhizome you plant needs to be about 5 cm and have at least 3 buds per rhizome. The bud is the early shoot of the next part of the rhizome. Plant them at a depth of about 5 – 7 cm using good quality compost.

 

Water them and cover the pot with a plastic bag to boost the temperature. Your garden polytunnel is probably warm enough, but I find that they need an initial boost in temperature.

 

Water sparingly throughout the growing season and keep the area clean. Exotic herbs like ginger and turmeric will love your domestic polytunnel. You can always experiment with growing other exotic herbs or vegetables you find in the supermarkets.