As the fall garden season winds down, @athomewithxin is wrapping up her November harvest in style - using her Digz gloves and kneeling pad to gather one of her favorite crops: fresh, homegrown ginger. It's the perfect reminder that even as tempuratures cool, your garden can still produce vibrant, nourishing ingredients that support your health all season long.
Whether you're growing your own or picking up fresh ginger from the market, this versatile root offers both culinary flavor and powerful immune-boosting properties - making it a go-to during cold and flu season. Here's how to harvest ginger the right way and turn it into easy, homemade ginger immunity shots to keep your body strong and energized all winter.
How to Harvest Ginger
Harvesting ginger takes a little pateince and care - but the results are well worth it. Here's how to do it properly.
- Know When It's Ready: Ginger typically takes 8-10 months to mature. You'll know it's ready to harvest when the leaves start to yellow and die back, signaling that the plant's energy has moved into the rhizomes (the edible roots underground).
- Loosen the Soil Gently: Use a hand trowel or garden fork to losen the soil around the plant. This is where your Digz kneeling pad and gloves come in handy - the soil can be compost or damp, and gloves help protect your hands while you work the roots free.
- Lift Carefully: Pull the entire clump from the ground gently to avoid breaking the rhizomes. Shake or brush off excess dirt, then rinse thoroughly under cool water.
- Save Some for Replanting: If you want a continuous harvest, save a few pieces with strong "eyes" or buds and replant them in a pot or garden bed for next season.
- Cure and Store: To store ginger long-term, allow it to air-dry for a few days in a cool, shady spot. Then, keep it in the refrigerator or freezer to preserve the freshness.
DIY Ginger Immunity Shots Recipe
Once you've harvested your ginger, put it to good use with a quick and easy ginger immunity shot. These small but mighty drinks are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits - perfect for supporting your immune system through cold and flu season.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fresh ginger root (peeled and chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra kick)
- 1/2 cup filtered water
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a small glass jar.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before each use.
- Enjoy 1-2oz daily for a natural immune boost.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a milder flavor, mix your shot into a cup of warm water for a soothing ginger tea.
Why Ginger Is a Cold Weather Essential
Ginger isn't just a flavorful kitchen staple - it's also one of nature's most potent natural remedies. Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory compounds, ginger can:
- Soothe sore throats and ease congestion
- Help reduce inflammation and body aches
- Support digestion and gut health
- Naturally strengthen your immune response
Whether you're enjoying it in teas, soups, or homemade ginger shots, ginger is a simple way to stay healthy and energized during the chillier months.
Digz: Gardening Made Comfortable
Harvesting ginger (or any root vegetable) can be messy, but the right gear makes all the difference. Digz kneeling pad and gloves offer both comfort and protection - perfect for hands-on gardening tasks like harvesting, planting, and weeding.
The Digz Women's Gardening Gloves are designed with flexibility and grip in mind, while the Kneeling Pad provides extra cushioning to keep your knees protected on damp or hard ground. Together, they make every garden project - from planting bulbs to harvesting ginger - a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.
Inspired by @athomewithxin's November harvest, this season is the perfect time to dig into your own garden bounty. Whether you're growing ginger, herbs, or heart greens, take a moment to celebrate what you've grown - and find creative ways to bring those homegrown ingredients into your daily wellness routine.
With the right gear, a little care, and a touch of creativity, your garden can keep nourising all year long.
