If you own mature 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 Caldwell County have ideal growing conditions for this valuable forest medicinal plant. Ginseng can be a tricky plant to grow successfully and takes between 8-10 years to reach a size favored by the Asian markets to which it is exported. However, the market for ginseng is fairly stable and has averaged around $750 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. N.C. Cooperative Extension of Caldwell County will be hosting a field demonstration workshop on wild-simulated ginseng production on October 13, 2022, from 2–4 p.m. at the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Caldwell County Center. Dr. Jim Hamilton & Sarah Christas will provide an overview of ginseng production and field demonstrations 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
Space and seed are limited to the first 15 paid registrants.
Click to register.
