Looking to add a little spice to your life (and your windowsill)? Let's talk about growing sage, perfect for even the tiniest of urban gardens. Not only does it add a delightful savory flavor to your culinary creations, but it's also known to ward off mosquitoes. With a few key tips and tricks, you'll be growing sage in no time.
Sage requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Tolerates partial shade. Indoors: Suitable for pots; ensure bright light or use grow lights for 10-12 hours daily.
Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Sage prefers drier conditions. Indoors, monitor soil moisture frequently; outdoors, water deeply but infrequently.
Sage is perennial and does best in 60-80°F, ideally 65-70°F. Plant outdoors in April-May and August in NYC zone 7b. Indoors, keep at 65-70°F year-round.
Indoors: 6-8" wide, 6" deep, 1 gallon; Outdoors: 10-12" wide, 12" deep, 3-5 gallons
Sage thrives in well-draining potting mix with compost from kitchen scraps or worm castings. Water sparingly, as sage doesn’t like wet feet.
Use 10-10-10 sparingly every 6-8 weeks. Organic options: bone meal, compost. Sage thrives in lean soil; excessive nutrients diminish its robust flavor.
Sage is ready for harvest 75-90 days after planting, or when the leaves are 4-6 inches long. Prune after flowering to promote new growth and maintain plant health.
Prune sage after blooming to promote new growth and cut back old woody stems. Regular pruning encourages a fuller, healthier plant.
Yellow Leaves: Ensure good drainage, avoid overwatering. Pests (Aphids): Spray with soapy water or neem oil. Wilting: Water consistently, avoid waterlogging. Slow Growth: Use balanced fertilizer. Diseases (Powdery Mildew): Improve air circulation, use fungicide.
There are around 10-15 varieties of arugula gardeners commonly grow. One of the perks of growing arugula at home is the opportunity to experiment with different varieties that you won't find at the grocery store.
Do you have any questions or requests? I'm here to help!