How to Grow Great Sage in Your Home Herb Garden

Sage is an herb that has been used for hundreds of years. It is useful in several ways. It can be used as a natural remedy, in recipes, and as a lovely addition to border plantings. Here are some tips to help you grow great sage in your home garden.

If you were to grow only one herb in your garden, a good choice would be sage. Sage is a perennial that grows to about 2 feet tall. It is shaped like a shrub and is easy to grow. The leaves are blue-gray and will add a wonderful contrast to any border planting. The herb grows quite quickly, however, it does not become invasive. The lilac flowers of the sage plant that bloom in the middle of summer will attract hummingbirds. They are also beneficial to many types of insects. The leaves give off a strong scent when touched. Sage is hardy to zone 5. But, if you give it protection during the winter months, it can be grown outside in zone 4, as well.

The soil needs to be well-drained for your sage plant to thrive. It also needs full sun. Sage can be grown from seed or you can purchase seedlings from your local nursery or garden shop. The seeds need to be started inside about 6 to 8 weeks before the last predicted frost date for your area. Germination will take about 3 weeks if the soil is kept at about 60 to 70 degrees F. After all chance of frost has passed in your area, the seedlings can be transplanted into your garden. They need to be at least 18 inches apart.

The leaves of the sage plant can be harvested as long as the plant is growing well. The leaves of the herb should be harvested before the flowers appear on the plant. You can freeze or dry any leaves that you do not plant to use immediately. Remove the branches and snip leaves from them. Then, lay the leaves on a cloth or paper in a dry, dark area to dry. After they have dried, the leaves can be stored in an airtight container.

Sage will give your recipes a lemony taste. It is a wonderful addition to poultry, stuffings, sausages, artichokes, potatoes, asparagus, squash, eggplant, tomatoes, and onions. It can be used fresh or dried in any recipes. It is also delicious used with soft cheeses and breads. It is especially good with flat breads.

This herb has been used by Native Americans for hundreds of years. They used it as a medicine mixed with bear grease to make a salve. It was used to cure skin sores and it was also used as a disposable toothbrush.

No matter what you have in mind for your sage plants, they will be a welcome addition to any garden or border planting. The wonderful fragrance is a wonderful benefit of growing this plant. Hopefully, these tips will help you grow an abundance of sage in your home garden for you and your family to enjoy.