Turmeric Harvesting – Growing Sunshine Beneath the Soil

There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling turmeric from the earth, the rich, golden colour bursting through the soil like hidden sunshine. Every year, our turmeric patch glows with this vibrant energy, and I never tire of seeing that beautiful orange-yellow hue.

Check out this awesome turmeric harvest video below:

Did you know that colour comes from curcumin, a natural compound that gives turmeric its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties? It’s been used for centuries in traditional medicine, cooking, and even natural dyeing. A true gift from the earth.

🌱 Turmeric Growing & Harvesting Tips

Harvest fresh for flavour and potency. If you’ll be using your turmeric soon, take it straight to the kitchen — no need to let the skins harden off. This step is only needed if you plan to store them long-term.

Leave some in the ground. I like to leave a few rhizomes behind each year. That way, it regrows naturally without any extra work — a perfect example of letting the garden take care of itself.

Mulch and moisture.Turmeric loves a warm, sheltered spot with plenty of mulch and moist (but not soggy) soil. You can also grow it beautifully in a pot if space is limited.

Fresh is best. You can dry turmeric and grind it into powder for storage, but research suggests its medicinal benefits are greater when consumed fresh.

A Few Fun Facts

• Turmeric is part of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and has been cultivated for over 4,000 years.

• In India, turmeric is known as “the golden spice” and is often used in rituals symbolising purity and prosperity.

• Just a small thumb-sized piece added to your morning smoothie or curry can give your body a powerful health boost.

  
  

  🌿 Want to Learn More?

I share my full turmeric growing process — from planting and care to harvest and use — in my book Homegrown Healthy Living, including some of our favourite recipes and natural remedies (see page 143!).

Grab your copy here to dive deeper into organic growing, or join my mailing list to receive your free Gardening Workbook and more seasonal tips like this one.