Care

During the early years, care for ginseng is critical to production success.

Weeding is very important until the patch is well-established. During the first year, two or three weedings are sufficient. After establishment, approximately three years, weed as needed.

Slugs are a major problem in some areas. Numerous products kill slugs, but few can be used directly on the plants. It is illegal to use pesticides in a manner for which they are not labeled. This includes use on unlisted plant species. Pieces of wood, cut fruit, pans of beer, and overgrown lettuce leaves will all attract slugs. Visit your bait frequently and kill any slugs your find. The pans of beer both attract and drown the slugs.

Diatomaceous earth is also a good product for slug control. It is sold in hardware and garden stores. Diatomaceous earth (the skeletal remains of a tiny organism called a diatom) is an organic alternative to pesticides. The main limiting factor for diatomaceous earth is rain. It is essential to reapply it after every rain, coincidentally, the prime time for slugs.

Poison slug baits are also available, but follow label directions.

FIELD grown ginseng is subject to numerous fungal diseases and might require up to 50 fungicidal sprayings a year. Forest grown ginseng is subject to fall fewer diseases. While fungal diseases can occur, especially during very wet years, planting ginseng in small patches limits the spread of the disease.