About this species. Zingiber officinale is best known as the source of the pungent, aromatic spice called ginger. This spice is produced from the rhizome (underground stem) of the plant. Obtained by the Greeks and Romans from Arab traders, it was one of the first oriental spices to arrive in Europe.ingiber officinale (ginger). Ginger is a well known spice produced from the rhizome (underground stem) of the tropical herbaceous plant, Zingiber officinale.
The main particles in healthy soil are decomposed organic matter, these are things that are natural and were once living organisms. The more organic matter in the soil, the better moisture retention. So, the main thing to help re-hydrate your dry soil is by regularly adding organic matter and extra moisture.A few examples are 1  â. Compost â THE best form of organic matter.2  Compost is decomposing items that were once living.he more organic matter in the soil, the better moisture retention. So, the main thing to help re-hydrate your dry soil is by regularly adding organic matter and extra moisture. A few examples are 1  â. Compost â THE best form of organic matter. 2  Compost is decomposing items that were once living. 3  Eg fruit and veggie scraps.
The University of California Cooperative Extension recommends tilling lime into the soil to a depth of 7 inches. Apply 3.5 pounds of hydrated lime to every 70 square feet of garden to raise the pH level one point. Work the lime into the soil by hand, with hand tools or a tiller, then water as usual. Hydrated lime should not be mixed with fertilizers or other garden chemicals.