Little work has been carried out on optimum fertiliser applications and, as a result, fertiliser use varies considerably throughout the industry. Ginseng has been found growing in soils that have a pH range from 4.8 to 7.4, however, lime or gypsum is usually added to low pH soils to get a pH of between 5.5 and 6.0. Crop management during the growing period includes the application of additional mulch and placement of shade in the spring. During the season, the crop is continually monitored for disease and is sprayed often. Weeding is carried out by hand except during the dormant season when a clean up spray may be used.
Stratified seed is prepared for sowing and new beds are prepared for planting.
In early winter, shade is removed and if harvesting is to be carried out the mulch is removed. Harvesting is carried out using modified potato diggers after the tops have started to die but before the ground has frozen. Because of the risk of disease, which is considered to be one of the main limiting factors to production, most growers in North America harvest their crop after three years. Soil fumigation, fungicides, good crop hygiene and good drainage are all considered essential in the control of disease. Although diseases can cause widespread destruction of the crop with the exception of root knot nematode there are few pest problems.