Ginseng is one of the most popular and profitable herbs worldwide. A large portion of the population uses it consistently. They must get their ginseng from somewhere, so why not your backyard nursery? Did you know you can make good money growing ginseng? It’s relatively cheap to get started. Here’s how you can start a backyard ginseng nursery for $600:
Let’s first look at the potential for profit with ginseng farming. Ginseng certainly won’t make you money overnight. It can take about five to six years to grow mature roots. But don’t worry; in the meantime, you can sell seeds, rootlets, and profitable plants. After those five or six years, you can expect to have about 500 pounds of mature roots, currently selling for $300 to $600 a pound. You can also expect about 100 pounds of seeds for about $150 a pound. You could also have an excellent quantity of rootlets to sell as well. So, let’s put it all together. If you have half an acre of ginseng, how much could that all be worth after five or six years? The answer is about $100,000.
Now, you’re ready to get started. First, think about your growing method. There are three. Chances are “woods-cultivated” is the method for you. It’s the most practical method for small growers. In this method, you use the natural shade of hardwood trees, such as maple, oak, and sycamore. Avoid conifers like pine, spruce, cedar, or hemlock, as their roots could compete with ginseng roots for nutrients and water. Plant your ginseng under their shade and get ready for great results.
When buying ginseng seeds or rootlets, be sure you’re buying stuff that is high in quality. AT today’s prices, $600 will buy enough seed to plant a quarter acre. Ensure it is “stratified,” meaning the berries have been de-pulped, and the seeds were buried in sand over the wintertime. To be safe, plan on soaking your recently purchased seeds for two minutes in a solution made up of one part Clorox bleach and nine parts water. Then, be sure to flush thoroughly with clean water.
Now, you need to consider fertilizers if you use the wood-cultivated method. There are two minerals you’ll want to add: calcium and phosphorus. Dolomite lime can supply calcium and magnesium. For phosphorus, consider using rock phosphate. It’s an inexpensive natural fertilizer. Also, only organic matter, such as leaf mold and compost, should be used. These will help supply nutrients that can keep your ginseng disease-free. For any pest or disease problems you encounter, only use organic solutions, such as yellow sticky traps for pests.
You can start growing ginseng for $600. Soon, you could make good money from its production.