Chapter 19:
Further Reading
Every grower is advised to start a library collection of useful
references on ginseng production. The following references were
called upon heavily as they provided a wealth of background information
that went into the production of this project. Who can resist
not having a book on this most fascinating crop?
Northwest
Ginseng News
In April 1992, Don Hoogesteger (ginseng@e-z.net),
current president of the Northwest Ginseng Growers Association,
started a bi-monthly newsletter for both new and established growers.
Over the last 6 years a subscription to Don's newsletter has become
a complete reference guide to the establishment, maintenance,
disease management, weed control, root drying for cultivated ginseng
root. Don has provided a running tally of prices received by growers.
This newsletter covers the Pacific Northwest growing practices
better than books or guides from other regions. Back issues can
be ordered from Don for a cost $16.50/year. At the present time
an entire collection costs $104.00 which includes tax. Contact
either Don or Joy Hoogesteger at Pacific Rim Ginseng, 1504 NE
234th St. Ridgefield, WA 98642, or call 360/887-3128. Their web
address is: http://www.e-z.net/~ginseng.
British Columbia
Ginseng Production Guide for Commercial Growers
While the British Columbia industry is relatively new, (first
started 1982) it is very progressive. Growers tend to be more
open with ginseng information than in other growing regions, such
as Wisconsin or Ontario. Al Oliver, regional ginseng specialist
with the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Food (BCMAFF) in Kamloops, has released a 200 page ginsng production/marketing
guide in February, 1996. There are approximately 2,400 acres of
1-4 year old ginseng being grown by both individual growers as
well as large companies in the arid portions of eastern British
Columbia. The BC guide thoroughly covers site selection, garden
structure design, digging and drying, and has a complete pest
control section. The only short-coming of this guide is that it
lacks pictures. Growers east of the Cascades may find this guide
most useful as it cover ginseng production in an arid environment.
To order a copy of the guide write to: Al Oliver, 162 Oriole Road,
Kamloops, British Columbia V2C 4N7 or call 604/ 371-6050. This
publication sells for $20 Canadian (U.S. not accepted). Al can
also be easily reached at his e-mail address which is:aoliver@galaxy.gov.bc.ca
Ginseng:
How to Find, Grow, and Use America’s Forest Gold
This 1995 softcover book, authored by Kim Pritts, covers the history
of wild ginseng h
arvest, and goes
into a very good discussion of woods-cultivated ginseng production.
While this book is better suited to ginseng growing east of the
Mississippi River, the ease of reading, and clear explanations
on all phases of ginseng cultivation make it a ‘must have’
for growers first starting out. To order a copy send a check or
money order for $20.95 to Stackpole Books, 5067 Ritter Road, Mechanicsburg,
Pennsylvania 17055, or call 800/ 732-3669. This book has 150 pages
and 15 color plates. The ISBN # is: 0-8117-2477-8.
Ginseng:
Industry, Botany, and Culture
Written by John T. Proctor, and William Bailey. 1987. This 49-page
scientific review, written by 2 of the leading North American
ginseng researchers, covers all aspects of the physiological relationships
inherent to ginseng. Published in Horticultural Reviews, Volume
9, pages 187-236. Contact Owen Sciences and Engineering Library
on the Washington State University campus in Pullman, WA 99164.
Call 509/ 335-4181 and ask to have a libarian photocopy this manuscript
for you.
American Ginseng:
Green Gold
Written by Dr. Scott Persons, who raises ginseng in the woods
of North Carolina, this 203-page, soft cover book has an excellent
description of woods grown ginseng cultivation techniques, and
has descriptions of successful farms throughout North America.
There are numerous black and white photos, especially of woods
cultivated root, which add considerably to the text. This book
is published by: Bright Mountian Book, Inc., 138 Springside Road,
Asheville, North Carolina 28803. Order this 1994 book by writing
or calling agAccess, 603 4th St., Davis, CA 95616, 916/ 756-7177.
The price is $15.95.
American
Ginseng Production in New York State
Authored by Robert L. Beyfus, July 1994. This 19-page Cornell
Cooperative Extension publication covers all aspects of ginseng
cultivation in the Northeast United States. Available from: Cornell
Cooperative Extension of Greene County, HCR 3, Box 906, Cairo,
New York 12431, 800/ 328-4228.
|
Health
Benefits of Ginseng |
Facts About
Ginseng, the Elixir of Life
This 104-page hardcover book written in 1992 by Florence Lee has
the best collection of color plates and historical uses of ginseng
of all the books available. The pictures alone make this book
outstanding. When I talk with prospective growers I find this
book invaluable in showing scenes of ginseng cultivation in Asia,
as well as from North America.. The author goes into great detail
concerning the alleged health benefits of taking ginseng products
on a regular basis. Order this $25.50 book from Hollym International
Corporation, 18 Donald Place, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07208, or
call 908/ 353-1655.
The Healing
Power of Ginseng and The Tonic Herbs, The Enlightened Person’s
Guide
Authored by Paul Bergner in 1996. This 247-page softcover book
is the complete reference on all aspects of the pharmacological
benifits of ginseng in modern socieity. Paul presents all aspects
of a holistic approach to living in a stress-filled world, including
a diet tha contains ginseng in one form or another. Order this
$14.95 book from Prima Publishing, P.O. Box 1260BK, Rocklin, CA
95677, telephone 916/ 632-4400.
|
Soils and Engineering References |
Soils Survey
Maps
The United States Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly
United States Soil Conservation Service) published soil suvey
maps for 39 of the counties in Washington in 1972. These guides
are invaluable for determing the soil type, slope, elevation,
chemical compostion, and engineering data
British Columbia Agricultural Drainage Manual
The best west coast reference for landowners interested in understanding
the theory and practice behind drain tile installation. Even though
this book has a considerable amount of engineering data on the
science of drain tile installation, it also has some of the best
photos (black and white) and practical discussions of why drainage
is so important for good plant health. 271 pages, 1997 printing,
authors include Vincent LaLonde and Geoff Hughes-Games, both with
the Resource Management Branch or the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Foods. Send a $25 Canadian money order to: BC Ministry
of Finance and Corporate Relations, 742 Vanalman Ave. Victoria,
British Columbia V8V 1X4, phone 250/ 952-4559.