Sage is a Mediterranean herb that pairs well with other herbs such as rosemary and basil. Easy to grow and easy to use in your everyday cooking, sage can be an excellent addition to your herb garden this season. Take a peek below at some helpful tips for growing sage in your garden, so you can enjoy a plentiful crop this year and in the years to come. Here is everything you need to know about growing sage!
How to Grow Sage
How to plant sage seedlings:
Sage seeds are not advised since they are slow growing and they can be quite susceptible to the elements. Instead, plant sage from seedlings or established cuttings. You will find more success this way and be enjoying your sage a whole lot sooner.
Plant your sage seedlings 18-24 inches apart, in soil that is clay free and drains well. It has roots that enjoy stretching out, so making sure your soil isn’t compacted is key. While sage enjoys full to part sun, it does not do well in exceptionally hot and dry conditions. Should you live in such an area, see below how container gardening may be a better option for you.
How to plant sage in a container:
If your weather is extreme or you are limited on space, planting sage in a container garden may be ideal. When planting sage in a container, make sure you put no more than 1-2 plants per 18 inch pot. If using a smaller pot, like 12 inches, only add one plant. Soil must be well draining, loose, and not compacted. You can then care for the plant as you would if planting in the ground. Just take care to bring the pot in if teh weather gets extremely hot or dry.
How to care for sage plants:
Your sage plants like moderate water, with an inch a week being enough. Apply water at the roots in order to prevent mildew from forming, and cover the roots/base of the plant with mulch to help retain moisture and keep the plant cool. You won’t find much of a need for fertilizer, but if you wish you can apply a dose after the plant has been established for a few weeks.
Mildew can be a problem on sage plants, so try to keep them dry and not let water sit on them. If you see signs of mildew (a white and powdery substance) remove the affected area. You may also need to thin out your plants so that air circulates better and moisture doesn’t have the chance to sit.
After a few weeks of being established, you should prune your sage to help encourage growth. Lightly prune, just snipping away old growth to help the plant with new growth. Remember, sage is a perennial so it should perform for you for several years before being replaced.
How to harvest sage:
Sage can be harvested one leaf at a time. Go easy on your sage plant the first season, as not harvesting as much will encourage growth. Sage is best when harvested one leaf or one small portion at a time. Just snip and remove from the stem.
Like most herbs, sage can be dried or frozen if you can’t use it right away. Otherwise, feel free to enjoy it fresh in your marinades, meat and fish dishes, or even in salads.
Sage can be an excellent addition to your herb garden, so why not give it a try? Give these tips for growing sage in your garden a go and see what yummy creations you can come up with!
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