How to Plant Edible Ginger Root

Select a piece of fresh ginger root. The ginger root, which looks like a small, knobby, gnarled brown vegetable, should feel firm and smooth. In addition, it should be free of mold or any soft spots and have a fresh and somewhat spicy fragrance.

Slice off a two-inch-square piece of ginger to plant. The piece of ginger will grow fastest if it has some small brown "eyes" on the top of it.

Select a container in which to grow the ginger plant. It should be at least four times wider than the piece of ginger that you will plant inside.

Fill the pot or planter about three-quarters of the way full with rich, moist potting soil.

Place the piece of ginger root flat on top of the soil and cover with an inch of soil.

Set the potted ginger root in an indoor spot that gets ample sunlight during the day. Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist. When sprouts begin to shoot up from the planted ginger, move the container to an area where it will receive bright, indirect light.

Once the plant's leaves have died back (about eight to ten months after planting), you can harvest the ginger. Dig up the entire plant and store the ginger root in a cool, dark place until needed.