Growing Turmeric in a Pot

Growing Turmeric in a Pot

Gardening is a wonderful journey, especially attempting to grow plants that aren’t as easy to grow in their original growing zone! Growing turmeric in a pot is one of those specific projects that I’ve wanted to try for quite some time. Although turmeric is not one of those ingredients that I have to purchase every time I shop at the grocery store, it is an essential ingredient for certain savory dishes and soups. Growing essentials is at least a third of what lifeingthegreen.house is all about. I can certainly grow enough turmeric for my household savories!

The leaves of the turmeric plant itself are amazing. The feel of the plant reminds me of a peace lily…or maybe corn? Either way, seeing the signs of this unique life are such a delight in my greenhouse. Once the plant emerges from out of the dirt, it grows pretty quickly. However, it does take a long time before it peeks out into the sunlight. I started my root/tuber in early winter in the house. The tiny leaves popped up in the greenhouse around early February. I suppose I should have probably have kept more accurate records in order to help others learn to grow. However, a lot of my growing experiments aren’t documented and that seems to be the opportunity for miracles to happen!

Benefits of Growing Turmeric in a Pot

Turmeric (curcuma longa) is full of incredible nutritional benefits and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains protective compounds, including curcumin. If you happen to see any of Terry Naturally’s research on Curcumin, the benefits are quite extensive. Here are some of his products. In addition, you can check out this post from BBCGoodfood.com to see more health related advantages of turmeric.

Aside from the nutrition aspect, it is pretty exciting for me to grow turmeric because it is so exotic and beautiful. As I mentioned, it isn’t always easy in my climate. Growing this magnificent plant in a pot makes keeping it’s growing conditions a little easier…at least keep it from freezing! It’s usually April or so before I can place the turmeric pot inside the greenhouse. My current turmeric tubor was planted in January (inside) and still hasn’t come to the surface in March. Usually, I’ll start the tubers in a pot so I can keep the dirt somewhat warm (at least above freezing) in the house.

 

 

After several weeks, the leaves will turn brown on the leafy plant. This is when you’ll know it is time to harvest the turmeric.

 

 

Have you had the opportunity to grow turmeric? What was your experience?

 

 

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Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. 

Genesis 1:11

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After you grow turmeric, you can make our Turmeric Latte

Ingredient List for a Turmeric Latte:

Hemp seed

Walnuts– raw and soaked (suggested substitute)

Cocao Nibs

Dates

Raw milk from your local farmer

 

Other ingredient or equipment options:

Carob powder

Coconut Oil

CSA from your local farmer

Sea Salt

Chopping knives

 

Top 6 plants to grow for Chickens and Humans

Grow other unique garden foods like kohlrabi, chickweed, or sunchokes!

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