What kind of soil is needed to grow ginseng?
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.) grows wild in the eastern half of North America, in hardwood forests. It grows best in well-drained, porous soils with a topsoil rich in humus formed from hardwood and other leaf litter. Natural populations tolerate a wide range of pH, and grow in soils that vary greatly in level of other soil nutrients. Indications are that the species prefers a pH range of 5-6. The addition of lime to raise soil pH to this range may be desirable. Avoid very sandy or clayey soils. Leaf litter is important as an organic fertilizer and for mulching. Light mulching in addition to natural leaf fall helps retain moisture, prevent leaching, maintain humus levels, and minimize frost heaving and damage. http://www.mdc.mo.gov/nathis/plantpage/f… Since Ginseng requires up to 70% shade a day, it grows best as an understory plant. Sugar maple and ginseng co-exist in many hardwood forests, b
