Why is my ginger turning yellow?

Ginger naturally turns yellow and dies back in October–November — this signals the rhizomes are ready to harvest. If yellowing occurs earlier (June–August), the cause is likely waterlogging (soft, rotten smell at the base) or bacterial wilt disease (no smell, but sudden collapse). For waterlogging: improve drainage immediately and reduce watering. For bacterial wilt: no cure exists — discard the plant and soil; do not replant ginger in the same container for 2 seasons.