Preparing and Planting American Ginseng in Ohio through Wild-Simulated Method: Step-by-Step Guide to Site Preparation
Growing Wild-Simulated American Ginseng in Ohio: A Guide
Wild-simulated American ginseng, the most highly valued variety in the world, can be grown in Ohio's Appalachian region. This article provides a comprehensive guide to cultivating this valuable plant, adhering to the Ohio Ginseng Management Program Laws (Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1533.87).
Site Preparation and Selection
The success of wild-simulated ginseng production relies on mimicking its natural habitat. Key factors to consider include:
- Shade: A mature hardwood forest canopy providing approximately 70 to 75% shade is ideal. Suitable overstory tree species are black walnut, sugar maple, tulip poplar, oak, sycamore, and basswood. These trees create the dappled light necessary for ginseng growth.
- Soil Conditions: The soil should be rich in organic matter, light in texture, well-drained, and slightly acidic with a pH between 5 and 6. Leaf litter from the canopy enriches the soil and supports seed germination.
- Moisture and Drainage: The site must maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging, as too much moisture causes root rot. Good drainage is essential.
- Site Selection: Ideally, choose a site that already has some native ginseng or similar understory plants, as this indicates suitable microhabitat conditions for ginseng.
- Ecological Considerations: Maintaining the native forest ecosystem supports beneficial symbiotic relationships like those with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which enhance nutrient uptake and plant health.
Seed Planting and Propagation
Ginseng is commonly propagated from seed, which should be planted in late fall under the prepared canopy, allowing seeds to stratify naturally over winter before germinating in spring. Hand planting ginseng seeds will dramatically increase germination rates and allow planting of difficult areas. The optimal seeding rate for wild-simulated ginseng is four to five seeds per square foot.
Site Preparation Work
Prior to planting in the fall, site preparation work should be completed. This includes removing understory trees and shrubs, picking up large rocks or sticks, and ensuring good air circulation.
Growing Techniques
Many growers use a variety of techniques to seed their wild-simulated ginseng, and it's recommended to experiment and determine what works best. Ginseng can be planted by hand one seed at a time in sites where raking and other site preparation would be difficult.
Resources for Ginseng Growers
The Roots of Appalachia Growers Association (RAGA) is another resource for ginseng growers. For obtaining seed and planting stock of ginseng and other medicinal herbs, contact the Rural Action Forestry Program.
References for growing American ginseng in Ohio include publications from Ohio State University Extension, Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, Bright Mountain Books Inc., and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife.
For more detailed information about the Ohio Ginseng Management Program, consult the Administrative Rules, which can be obtained through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. It is illegal to market a ginseng root under five years of age, including for wild-simulated ginseng growers, in Ohio.
We would like to thank David Cooke, Greg Duskey, and Deborah Hill for their valuable suggestions in improving this document about growing American ginseng in Ohio.
Wild-simulated American ginseng growth at home requires having a suitable lifestyle that includes home-and-garden management, as its natural habitat is mimicked for its cultivation. The ideal soil for growing wild-simulated American ginseng is nutrient-rich, well-drained, and slightly acidic, found in mature hardwood forests offering the perfect shade and moisture conditions.
