If you've gotten yourself hooked on the turmeric craze, you're going to want to keep reading. Because, if you love this super-powered root and use it for everything from fresh tea to pain relief and face masks, you know the cost of turmeric adds up—and quickly.
Usually, people resort to the cheaper option for turmeric which is an already ground bag of the stuff. But experts tell us that the most health benefits and best taste come from the fresh root, the most expensive option.
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And unless you're forking up a little more cash for the (seemingly) magic-root at a specialty health food store, your root is probably not organic. Luckily, there's a solution to all these problems and that's growing your own turmeric supply at home.
By purchasing just one, organic rhizome—or root cutting—you can plant it and grow your very own fresh garden of turmeric. Here's what you need to know to get started:
The growing conditions
Turmeric is a tropical plant, so it thrives in hot and humid environments. You need to keep the soil moist to mimic the conditions it is used too. If you live in a dry climate, water it once every two days. And cooler climates should water less frequently. You want the soil to be moist, but never soggy. Since this plant likes the heat, too, keep it in a sunny window, under a heating mat or even on a radiator in the winter where it can keep nice and warm.
Getting started
1. Source your rhizome
You can buy an organic turmeric root cutting from your local health store Asian supermarket. It's important that the plant is fresh!
You can buy an organic turmeric root cutting from your local health store Asian supermarket. It's important that the plant is fresh!
2. Cut your root
Cut your rhizomes up into sections—making sure to leave two or three buds on each section.
Cut your rhizomes up into sections—making sure to leave two or three buds on each section.
3. Prep your pot
Grab your pot and fill it up with rich organic soil, which is moist but well drained—and remember, never soggy.
Grab your pot and fill it up with rich organic soil, which is moist but well drained—and remember, never soggy.
4. Plant your turmeric root
About two inches under the surface, place your turmeric root with the buds facing upwards. Then, make sure to give it a bit of fresh water to get it going.
About two inches under the surface, place your turmeric root with the buds facing upwards. Then, make sure to give it a bit of fresh water to get it going.
5. Keep the conditions warm and moist
Remember, this plant likes it hot. So Rodale's Organic Life suggests keeping the plant in the sun, under a heating mat, or even under a lamp. They say the ideal temperature for growing your fresh turmeric is 77-86 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remember, this plant likes it hot. So Rodale's Organic Life suggests keeping the plant in the sun, under a heating mat, or even under a lamp. They say the ideal temperature for growing your fresh turmeric is 77-86 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Await your fresh, homegrown turmeric!
Now, it is a bit of a waiting game. Fresh turmeric will sprout in about 7-8 months. That may seem like a long time, but by taking great care of your plant and ensuring it is happy and healthy you'll be pleasantly surprised with the results of your gardening.
Now, it is a bit of a waiting game. Fresh turmeric will sprout in about 7-8 months. That may seem like a long time, but by taking great care of your plant and ensuring it is happy and healthy you'll be pleasantly surprised with the results of your gardening.
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