TOPIC: Irrigation

I'm thinking of planting ginseng this fall but I'm concerned about a continuation of the drought. I'm lucky enough to have a couple of springs to supply water for irrigation and I would like to know if any of the growers on this board have tried this. Can it be done successfully?

I think the short answer is yes, you can water ginseng. However, the danger is too much water will (notice I did not say might, or maybe or could..but WILL) cause root disease in ginseng.

I would be careful doing so, but in times like these don't think a little watering would hurt.

To give you a rule of thumb, I grow my SELECT rootlets in a peat mixture in a raised bed. This means they hold some water, but dry out before the ground does. I have only watered them about three or four times during this hot weather. I soak them well early enough in the day for the plant surfaces to completely dry. This avoids disease issues. Then, I won't water for another week or so, even if the hot dry stuff continues. Be sure to let the ground/soil dry out between waterings.

Be sure to let us know what you find out if you try it.

Ya bastle, if you do get rootrot be sure to move infected plants or it will spread for sure.

Thanks for the advice! I'll let y'all know if I try.

Mr wild wrote:

Ya bastle, if you do get rootrot be sure to move infected plants or it will spread for sure.

*nod*

I generally get away without too much root disease through preventative spraying.