The rhizomes or roots of ginger should be planted in spring but wait until the soil temp is above 70 degrees as this tropical plant needs heat. You did not mention where you live but if you have cool summers grow this plant indoors. It is grown as an annual outdoors allowed to sprout then in fall when the tops die the roots or rhizomes are dug and harvested to use as an herb. To plant the rhizomes cover with about an inch of soil and keep the soil moist. This plant likes a pH of below 7 so that it can absorb calcium. For this reason using potting soil is preferred and make sure to use a complete fertilizer such as Osmocote that contains calcium. In general think of the tropics and provide a location that is warm, humid and allows for at least half a day of sunshine. Hope you have some fresh ginger recipes in your future. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti