Grow your own Sage Herb

If you love to spend your summers up to your elbows in dirt and plants, then a garden is the perfect hobby for you. Herbs are a great choice for gardeners of all levels of experience because many of them are easy to grow and can provide a bountiful harvest to enjoy all year long. There are many types of herbs to choose from, but one that is a favorite for vegetable and ornamental gardens alike is the sage herb.

About the Sage Herb
Sage herb is a perennial that belongs to the salvia genus. This herb is used for many culinary creations, including in teas and as a seasoning for meat and poultry. Some cooks add sage to their favorite Thanksgiving stuffing recipe as well. The sage herb plant is also used for ornamental purposes, because the leaves offer a colorful contrast to other foliage in a landscaping theme, and the flowers will bloom throughout the latter part of the summer.

The sage herb plant is an easy one to grow, because it does not demand an inordinate amount of attention and care. However, it can evolve into a woody shrub that needs to be replaced every few years. To extend the life of your sage herb plant, offer frequent harvesting and pruning after the first year. Sage in the first season should be left alone as much as possible to allow it to establish itself in your garden bed.

How to Grow Sage Herb
Most gardeners will begin sage herb plants by seeding the garden in the early spring, after the danger of frost is passed. Others will prefer to begin plants indoors for a head start when spring rolls around. You can begin plants indoors up to six weeks in advance of outdoor planting. Sow your sage in a well-drained area that receives full sun for best results. This plant can tolerate drier conditions, making it a good choice as a xeriscape plant.

When you first plant your sage herb plant, it is a good idea to forgo harvesting in the first year to allow the plant to establish. After the first year, you can harvest this plant either right before or after flowering for the best flavor. Snip the healthy stems, bundle into bunches of four to six, and then place the bundle in a brown paper bag with plenty of holes cut into it. Hang upside down in a cool, dry spot for a few weeks until the leaves are completely dry. Store your dried sage in an airtight container and use for up to one year.

The sage herb plant makes a lovely addition to any garden and can be enjoyed year round as a seasoning in many of your favorite dishes. Add some sage to your landscape today, and enjoy its many benefits!