I don't think you can screw them up. I'd go ahead and stick them in the ground as soon as the temps aren't quite so arctic!

I had success with my ginger (simple stuff purchased at the grocery store) by soaking it overnight before planting.

Sounds like shell ginger. When you plant it, does so with plenty of room. A neighbor gave me 3 pieces in 2008 or 09. It increased to the size of a truck tire by this summer. A family that lives on a farm came and dug it up for their place.
I loved it, but I have a small yard.

it could be one of several different, alpinia, hedychium or even a different one.
No need to soak it overnight, you can rot ginger.
Stick it in the ground and mulch it for winter.
Full sun for alpinia or shell ginger, the hedychiums like a bit of protection from afternoon sun. Costas-unless variegated will stand full sun.
bury the rhizomes really shallow.
Tally ho!

Sadly I left it in a fruit bowl during the cold snap and it molded. Maybe I will try with some store bought ginger.