"Growing sage in your herb garden..."

Growing sage could mean growing wiser.....

Sage was originally thought to improve the memory and make one wiser.

These days we tend to use sage for things like PMT - Which is probably a wise move!

I have heard a number of women swear by sage as an aid to relieving PMT or menopausal symptoms.

And poultry dishes just aren't the same without a little sage thrown in!

Growing sage - positioning:

Sage likes a well-drained soil in full sun. As the plant gets older it doesn't mind very dry conditions.

Sage grows as a bushy shrub and you'll need to give it some space to get going. The plant will last many years, although it's preferable to replace sage every 3 or 4 years as the shrub tends to become woody and sprawling.

Sage doesn't like a very acid soil, but will be happy to grow in most soil conditions as long as the ground isn't permanently wet. Sage tends to suffer quickly from mildew.

sowing and planting:

Growing sage from seed takes a bit more time but is more satisfying! Thompson & Morgan have online seed deliveries available...


Growing sage in the UK
Growing sage in the US
Thompson & Morgan worldwide.


Or buying plants with the hard bit already done is an alternative! Look at these beautiful varieties

at Crocus UK

Sage "Dwarf variety"

Crocus UK Type 'sage' (without the quotes) into 'find me more info' box on homepage.


And at Nature Hills for US deliveries

"Pineapple Sage" "Tricolor"

Nature Hills US Type 'sage' (without the quotes) into the search box on nature Hills homepage. You'll go directly to the sage page!



Sow sage seeds in early spring inside and keep warm and watered. When all danger of frost has passed plant out your baby sage plants - they should be 2 or 3 inches tall - in a sunny position in the garden.

You'll only need one or two sage plants in a regular back garden, and you should allow about 2ft. or just over half a metre for the bush to grow.

Water your plants in and keep weed-free.

Growing sage - after care:

During the first summer, water sage regularly, and check the soil is draining well. You don't want the roots sitting in water. If the plant is healthy and growing there shouldn't be a problem.

Let plants reach about 9 or 10 inches high before you start picking the leaves. Be very frugal with picking during the first year. You may feel it's better to leave well alone the first year. Check growing instructions on your plant or seed packet for recommendations for your region.

Mulch during the plant's first winter, and don't worry about it after that.

During the second and subsequent years, you should pick your sage leaves freely. After flowering, cut the shrub down to a couple of inches above the ground and it may give you another harvest. Leave a couple of stems so the plant remembers what it's supposed to be doing!

An established sage plant will tolerate very cold conditions and very dry. All in all a hardy plant to have around!

Storing sage:

Sage will store well and is one herb that doesn't lose a lot of taste when dried.

Drying:

Hang stems or lay on racks in a dry airy place and turn regularly. When leaves are completely dry, crumble and store in airtight glass jars. Remember to label!

Freezing:

Freeze leaves quickly on trays or in bags. Store in plastic containers and label.

Growing sage for your health!:

Medicinal:

As mentioned above, sage was believed to make you wiser. It has certainly always been used as a healing herb for anything from tonsilitis to menopausal night sweats. Sage does have certain toxins and shouldn't be taken in large quantities. As with all herbal remedies care should be taken.

Culinary:

Sage has been used as a stuffing or an accompanying vegetable to poultry dishes. Sage and onion stuffing is easy to make and can be served with vegetarian meals, poultry dishes, crumbled into stews to thicken and flavour, or sliced and added to sandwiches!

Happy Gardening!

More "Sage" Reading

www.flower-and-garden-tips.com/growingsage.html