GROWING GINSENG IN THE FOREST:
(5) Planting

by Hsuan H. Huang

1. Seedbeds should be raised and about 4' wide is preferred. This allows you to plant 7 rows of 6' apart with 1.5 to 3" between each seed. Some people plant very densely and then transplant after 2 years. I tried this and found it to be a waste of time and the results were poor.
   
   
2. I use a single row planter modified for ginseng seeds. A rake modified with each tine 6" apart and attached with home-made tiny arrowhead-like tips.
   
   
3. I use this special rake to draw 4 lines, equal spaced, as a guide for the planter to follow. Although the garden planter already comes with a line marker, I found that after one or two rows of seeding, the nice smooth surface of the seed bed no longer exists due to the footprints.
   
   
4. After the seeds are sown, I use a heavy roller to firm up the surface of the seed beds. This ensure the seeds are in close contact with soil to prevent it from drying out. The depth of planting should be ¼ to ½ inch.
   
   
5. Fall is the best time to plant just before tree leaves falls and cover up for the winter.
   
   
6. Seeds should be treated disinfected before planting, 0.5% Javex for 20 minutes.