Growing Ginseng in Aquaponics Gardens

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During times of stress and anxiety, oftentimes, people turn to activities such as yoga and meditation to find calm in the midst of life’s storms. While these relaxation methods are known to give a host of other benefits such as energy and vitality, many people have also turned to the Ginseng plant to give them the extra boost they need to get through the day. However, because buying the pure form of the supplement can get expensive, people have discovered that growing Ginseng in Aquaponics gardens is a more practical solution.

In this article, we created a list of the most practical tips that can help you when growing Ginseng in an aquaponics system. 

Why Grow Ginseng in Your Aquaponics Garden?

Known as the original superfood due to its high amounts of nutrients, Ginseng is the root of plants in the genus Panax. It was discovered over 5,000 years ago and was originally consumed as traditional food. The name Ginseng is from the Chinese word ‘rénshēn,’ meaning ‘man root’ due to its resemblance to a man’s legs. 

Over 2,000 years ago, Ginseng became popular for its medicinal properties. Chinese medicine used it to improve immunity and to promote healthy blood sugar levels. In recent years, Ginseng is commonly recommended to boost a man’s sexual performance due to the increased energy that the plant provides. You will commonly find Ginseng as an active ingredient in things such as energy drinks, supplements, and even cosmetic products. 

While it can take years for Ginseng to reach its maturity, it is well-compensated with its health benefits. In addition, the price of Ginseng steadily goes up year after year. So whether you plan on growing Ginseng in aquaponics gardens for personal consumption or to make a living, we say that it’s one of the brightest ideas today. 

Types of Ginseng

There are two types of Ginseng. Asian or Korean Ginseng, and the American Ginseng. Let’s take a deeper look into their characteristics: 

American Ginseng

American Ginseng or Panax quinquefolius is native to North America and has a more relaxing effect than its Asian counterpart. Some people say that it gives that ‘yin’ energy to its users. Unlike Asian Ginseng, this is recommended for hot weather conditions or if you have a fever because of its cooling effect. 

Asian Ginseng

This is sometimes referred to as Panax Ginseng and can also be found in Russia, aside from Asia. It is grown for its medicinal properties. Asian Ginseng is best used in colder environments as it gives that warm effect. It is said to be more stimulating and provides the ‘yang’ energy. 

How to Serve Ginseng From Your Aquaponics Garden

There are several ways to consume Ginseng roots. You can either chew it raw, create Ginseng tea with honey, or you can sprinkle some flakes to your favorite recipes. Other people are getting more creative now as they soak Ginseng in their Vodka for a couple of days. It is said to give the beverage that unique earthy flavor.     

Our favorite is making chicken soup with Ginseng. As for the beverage, we tried it out with Pineapple for a tropical smoothie, and we couldn’t stop drinking. You can also use kale and apples instead. 

Health Benefits of Ginseng

Ginseng has a lot of nutrients, which makes it one of the healthiest roots today. It contains Vitamins B1, B2, B12, and C. You can also find amounts of fatty, folic, and amino acids. 

There are different health benefits that we can enjoy from using Ginseng. It’s not surprising that many people are buying and that it has become a valuable commodity over the years. Here are a few advantages of using Ginseng: 

• Boosts immune system 
• Lowers blood sugar level
• Improves concentration 
• Promotes better mood
• Helps in managing weight  
• Treats certain types of cancer 
• Combats high blood pressure 
• Treats erectile dysfunction 

While it seems that taking Ginseng is one of the best ways to optimize your health, you should consult your doctor to make sure that it will have no side effects. 

Cultivating Ginseng in Your Aquaponics Garden

When cultivating this root plant, remember that you won’t be sipping on any Ginseng tea anytime soon because it can take years before the crop is ready for harvesting. However, if you decide to move forward, in the section below, you will find some of the most important information on growing Ginseng in aquaponics gardens:

Aquaponic System Types

If you are just starting with aquaponics, we highly recommend that you use Media Bed for your Ginseng. Among all the types of systems, this proves to be the best for backyard growers. It’s easy to build, and you don’t need to purchase expensive materials. 

pH Levels

The required pH level for Ginseng is 5.5 or slightly acidic. As always make sure to use a high quality pH Meter.

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Grow medium

A growing media that is well-drained is the best for Ginseng. We recommend expanded clay as it can absorb moisture but, at the same time, provides good drainage for your plant. You can also use perlite and coconut fiber.

Water and Air Temperature

Ginseng loves colder climates and thrives best on a temperature around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can still survive in most conditions. 

Spacing

You must provide at least 6 inches of space in between your Ginseng plants. 

Sunlight

Ginseng requires shade and is unlikely to survive in direct sunlight. You can create artificial shades using polypropylene fabric and must be placed 7 feet above your media bed to promote good air circulation. Or if you have trees that can block off sunlight, these are good too. 

Fish Types

We recommend using fish that can thrive well in colder conditions like trout. One disadvantage though, is that you can’t keep it with other fish. Catfish is another good option, as this is not hard to breed.

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Planting/Harvesting

It’s best to choose seeds instead of roots when planting Ginseng. 

It will take around 4 to 6 years to produce a mature or marketable crop. Usually, the roots are around 3 to 8 inches tall. 

Pests

White grubs and wireworms can attack your Ginseng. Some people use potato as a trap for these pests by cutting it in half and placing a stick vertically to serve as the handle. Bury the potato about an inch and then remove it after a couple of days. Manual removal of pests and netting is recommended as well. 

Common Problems

Alternaria leaf and stem blight are common diseases that could affect your Ginseng. If you ignore the disease, it can damage your entire media bed in a span of weeks. To avoid these issues, you must ensure that you have good drainage and that you follow the proper spacing recommended above.

Quick Tips

Let’s end this post by giving you more tips on how to handle and consume Ginseng: 

• Do not use recycled grow media when planting new Gingseng. 
• Look for stratified seeds or those that were buried in sand during winter
• After harvesting, use low-pressure water to clean it and avoid scrubbing  
• Infants or children should not consume Ginseng

Where to Purchase Ginseng Seeds

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