This is the third year in a row I've tried growing ginger. The first year I tried planting them directly in garden soil, but started them way too late in the season. The second year, I started them at the appropriate time, but over watered them, and even though they were in a well draining pot, they rotted after sprouting. This  year I'm trying it under a plant light bulb. They've been in the pot seldom watered for for more than a month. They sit right beside my desk. My eye fell on the pot today and I see my first sprout! So exciting!