How to Grow Wild-Simulated Ginseng

252 Poplar Grove Road,Boone NC 28607

27 October, 2022

Description

If you live in western NC and own mature hardwood forestland (or a nice wooded backyard) with a little slope, moist soil, and good drainage, ginseng may be a viable way to diversify your underutilized woods. The mountains and foothills of western North Carolina have ideal growing conditions for this valuable forest medicinal plant. Ginseng can be a tricky plant to grow successfully, and it takes between 8-10 years for its roots to begin reaching the size favored by the Asian markets to which it is frequently exported. However, the market for ginseng is fairly stable and has averaged around $800 per dried pound over the last few years. Ginseng is a native forest plant whose roots have been traded in Appalachia for hundreds of years. Watauga County Cooperative Extension will be hosting a field demonstration workshop on wild-simulated ginseng production Thursday, October 27th at the Watauga County Agricultural Conference Center from 3-5pm. Dr. Jim Hamilton will provide an overview of ginseng production and a field demonstration on how to successfully plant and cultivate wild-simulated ginseng. Topics will include: • Background on ginseng • Site selection, soil fertility requirements, & companion plants • Site preparation & planting • Pests and Production issues • The market for ginseng Cost to attend the workshop is $75. Participants will receive ¼ pound of stratified ginseng seed and a copy of “Growing & Marketing Ginseng and other Woodland Medicinals". Space and seed is limited to the first 15 paid registrants. Registration is required in advance. Workshop fee may be paid by cash or check made out to Watauga County and sent to Cooperative Extension 971 W King Street, Boone, NC 28607. For more information or questions, contact Dr. Jim Hamilton: 828.264.3061 or [email protected]