Known as the “golden spice,” turmeric is a cooking treasure that transcends national boundaries, adding its vivid colour, unique flavour, and many health advantages to food. As we look at how to grow turmeric at home, you’ll find that growing this versatile spice improves your cooking and wellness practices in addition to being satisfying.
Turmeric is known for its many uses; from haldi doodh to traditional Indian curries, it offers a wealth of benefits. Imagine having fresh, organic turmeric readily available to enhance the flavour of your meals and boost your health. This article will guide you through the entire process of how to grow turmeric at home. It will also cover how to care for your turmeric plant, as well as how to harvest, preserve, and manage the post-harvest process.
Let’s start growing fresh and organic turmeric at your home!
Uses of Turmeric
Cooking uses:
Turmeric is a common spice in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine, which provides food with taste, colour, and fragrance.
- It is mostly used in rice dishes, drinks, soups, and curries.
- Turmeric powder adds a distinct flavour to the sauces, pickles, and marinades.
Medicinal uses:
- Anti-inflammatory: Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is beneficial for conditions such as arthritis.
- Antioxidant: It slows down the ageing process and improves your overall health by fighting free radicals.
- Wound healing: It has an antibacterial property that can help to heal wounds and cuts faster.
- Digestive health: It supports your digestion and can reduce the effects of indigestion and bloating.
- Immune booster: If you consume turmeric consistently, then it can help you to improve immunity.
Cosmetics uses:
- Skincare: Turmeric is applied in face masks to heal your dark spots and lighten the skin, and if you are having acne problems, then applying turmeric can reduce anti-acne bacteria.
- Anti-ageing: It can reduce your wrinkles and give you glowing skin.
- Hair care: It can be used to treat hair-related problems of the scalp and dandruff.
Why Grow Turmeric?
In Indian houses, turmeric is commonly added to curries and milk-based beverages like haldi doodh. If you grow it in your home, you’ll always have access to fresh, chemical-free organic turmeric. These have low maintenance needs and thrive in the Indian environment, making them perfect for first-time as well as seasoned gardeners.
Preparing to Grow Turmeric at Home
Before exploring how to grow turmeric at home, let’s see some conditions that you may require to grow this nature’s gold at home.
Choosing the right roots
- Pick mature, fresh turmeric roots from a reliable source; you can get them at a local nursery or farmers’ market.
- Make sure you choose roots that have buds, or “eyes,” as they will produce new plants.
Ideal climate for turmeric
- Turmeric thrives in warm, humid climates, making it ideal for most parts of India.
- Turmeric is not a good cold-tolerant plant; it thrives in a temperature range of 20 to 30 °C. so remember to avoid frost-prone places.
Soil conditions
- Turmeric grows well in well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
- For best growth, the ideal pH of the soil should be between 5.5 to 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
- Use the cow dung manure or compost into the soil to improve its fertility
Garden beds or containers?
You can grow turmeric in large containers or pots if you do not have enough garden space. But you use the containers or pits with a proper drainage hole and at least 12 to 15 inches deep.
Step-By-Step Process of How to Grow Turmeric at Home
Let’s start with the main topic of today: how to grow turmeric at home. with the following steps, you can grow the fresh and organic turmeric either in a pot or in your backyard
- Preparing the potting mix or soil
Mix garden soil, sand, and organic compost in equal proportions. This will give your turmeric a nutrient-rich base. Turmeric hates sitting in water, which causes root rot. As we saw in the previous section, to ensure the soil drains properly. You should use a pot that has drainage holes in the bottom.
- Preparing the roots and cutting
Slice the fresh turmeric roots into smaller pieces, making sure that each piece should have one or two buds (the “eyes”) visible. Soaking these pieces in water for two to three hours before planting would soften the roots and facilitate sprouting.
- Planting the roots
Plant the roots 2 to 3 inches deep in the ground with the buds up. Leave about 6 to 8 inches of gap between each root so the plants have enough space for growth. Lightly pat them down and cover them with soil.
- Watering requirements
Water the soil as soon as possible after planting and keep it moist but not soggy Since turmeric needs continually damp soil, water frequently when the top soil dries out. But make sure not to water excessively, as this may cause fungal disease.
- Providing shade and sunlight
We also discussed the ideal climate for turmeric plant growth. You should plant the pots or garden bed in an area that receives filtered sunlight or partial shade and avoid direct midday sunshine since it scorches the leaves of your turmeric plant and your whole efforts will be wasted. So, select a spot in a warm and humid location, as turmeric grows well there.
How to Take Care of Your Turmeric Plant
Mulching: Use an organic mulch to cover the soil, like straw or dried leaves. This does not let the weeds grow and keeps the soil wet for a longer time.
Fertilisation: Use organic fertilisers like vermicompost or cow dung manure on the plants every 4 to 6 weeks. And if you want organic turmeric, avoid the use of chemical fertilisers.
Disease and pest control: Use garlic spray or neem oil to eliminate pests such as spider mites or aphids, and ensure proper drainage of soil to avoid fungal diseases.
Pruning and maintenance: Remove any yellow or broken leaves to ensure the health of the plant. and you should regularly check your plants to spot and fix any problems before they occur.
Harvesting Homegrown Turmeric
As we have learnt how to grow turmeric at home and how you should take care of your turmeric plant so you will get healthy and organic homegrown turmeric, it is now time to harvest your turmeric. So let’s see when and how you should harvest turmeric.
When to harvest?
After 8 to 10 months, when the leaves and stems begin to dry up and turn yellow, you’ll know it’s time to harvest turmeric. If you harvest at this time, you will get the most nutritious and maximum-flavoured turmeric.
How to harvest?
Dig them up with your hands or a tiny spade, carefully so as not to harm the roots Once removed, shake off loose dirt and rinse with water.
With this process, you will get fresh, flavourful, and organic, homegrown turmeric that you can use for numerous uses that we have seen before.
Post-Harvesting Process
Cure the roots: Boil for 30 to 45 minutes the roots to eliminate the bitterness and improve the colour. After boiling, dry them in the sun for 7 to 10 days to make them ready for storage.
Storing fresh turmeric: The dried roots can be kept in the refrigerator in airtight containers or kept in a cool, dry location. You can even grind the dried roots into a turmeric powder for long-term use.
You can now store your turmeric and savour it for months by following easy procedures like these!
Conclusion
Learning how to grow turmeric at home opens a world of health and culinary opportunities. This spice has important therapeutic qualities that support general health in addition to adding a distinctive flavour and colour to your food. You may grow fresh turmeric by following the easy instructions in this blog, ensuring a steady supply of this amazing spice for your cooking and skincare requirements.
Embrace the journey of growing turmeric and enjoy its benefits in every aspect of your life!