Forest Land

[Auntie Artie]

I've recently inherited about 40 acres of hilly forest which won't be good for much except maybe hunting leases, and I was thinking of sowing some ginseng and checking it out in a decade.

Problem is that I sort of inherited a ridge.  On the Southwest side. 

Should I even bother?  I was reading that ginseng should be on the southeast?

[Brad]

Hi,
Welcome to the site.

I've found a lot of ginseng growing on southwestern exposures.  It all depends on the amount of shade and the amound of moisture in the ground.  If it gets sunbaked on a daily basis, I'd be very cautious.

As it is though, I"d look for companion plants or wild ginseng growing in the area.  If you find them, it would certainly be worth putting in some test plots this fall.

[Auntie Artie]

Thanks - any recommended good quality seed sellers?

[Brad]

You mean other than me right?   

I'll be opening for advanced orders the first of the month.

[timbo]

Is ginseng found on all slopes that have the right soil , shade , and drainage or mostly north and east facing

[Brad]

Yes and no.  Where ginseng is growing, I tend to find it where ever the correct conditions are present.  However, there can be perfect conditions and very little or no ginseng at all.  This suggests digging to the point of extinction. 

If you are thinking to plant ginseng, test plots are the way to go.  It gives you the opportunity to experiment some with seeding methods and also gives you a hands on idea of what areas work and which one's dont.  Eventually, you will get to the point of being able to look at a place and have a good indication of its value in growing ginseng.