Sage

Growing

Establishing sage as a permanent fixture in your garden is easiest when you focus on excellent drainage. This woody shrub thrives in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0, making it a perfect candidate for Mediterranean-style rock gardens or containers. While you can start seeds indoors, many gardeners prefer using cuttings or dividing established plants to ensure a more robust start. Once your plant is settled, you will notice its bushy, shrub-like habit, which provides a wonderful habitat for pollinators.

To keep your herb productive, harvest the leaves when they are fragrant and ready for use, as the flavor does not improve once the foliage is picked. You can prune the woody stems in the spring to encourage fresh, tender growth and prevent the plant from becoming overly leggy. When harvesting, avoid picking the leaves while they are wet to prevent rot. For long-term use, you can dry the leaves or freeze them to preserve that signature savory, peppery punch. If you are storing fresh leaves in the fridge, keep them unwashed to help them last longer.