The field should be kept free from weeds which is not generally done for several reasons. Secondly, the Jamaica ginger planter is naturally lazy and does not like to exert himself. The careful planter burns the soil over before planting so as to destroy the seeds of weeds. In brief it may be stated that ginger is planted, tended, and gathered much as potatoes are in the United States. As soon as gathered the rhizomes are freed from dirt, roots, and branches and thrown into a vessel of water preparatory to peeling.
Peeling consists in removing the outer coat by means of a narrow-bladed knife.
As soon as peeled the rhizomes are again thrown into water and washed. To this end bleaching by means of burning sulphur and chlorine fumes has been resorted to. The bleaching processes also serve to destroy parasites which may infest the ginger before it is thoroughly dried. The drying or curing of ginger is done in the sun. A piece of ground is leveled and laid with stone and cement.