by Lauren Mccarthy

Created on: September 25, 2009

Sage has been the easiest herb I've grown at home, it's hardy and almost self sufficient. Having it growing at home is a great way to liven up your cooking with fresh herbs and experiment with natural remedies.

There are about 9 main varieties of Sage; the most common grown at home would be the standard Garden Sage, or Purple Garden Sage. My mother has pineapple sage her in garden which is a great addition to cooking and the leaves smell wonderful. Mid summer will see your Sage produce beautiful purple/blue flowers - after flowering prune your sage to about half its size to keep it healthy and avoid it getting 'woody'. A Sage plant will start to loose some of its flavour after about 3-4 years so I like to start growing new cuttings each year to spread around my garden.

Sage can be grown from seeds but I've found it grows best from a small plant you've purchased, or been given from a friends garden, or even easier you can grow Sage from a cutting. Soil quality is not a major factor for growing Sage but good drainage will definitely help. Make sure it will see a fair bit of sun though. It will grow in your garden or easily in containers or pots also - but best outside. The leaves are best used fresh, however can also be frozen in sealed plastic bags, or dried and stored in air tight containers. It shouldn't be necessary to feed your growing sage but I would recommend planting in soil with organic mulch incorporated for extra nutrients, something which you can do each autumn to keep it growing strong.

Sage is most commonly used these days as a culinary herb, it matches incredibly well with chicken - although will lend itself nicely to almost any meat. Use it in stuffing with onions for a great savoury flavour, lightly fry fresh sage leaves in butter to coat pasta or put the leaves on top of a chicken breast before wrapping in bacon - delicious. There are obviously numerous ways to use this wonderful herb, these are just some of my favourites I've continued to do for years.

There is no part of this plant that cannot be used. The leaves, flowers and stems all have healing properties. To make sage tea mix two cups of boiling water with two teaspoons of Sage leaves, let steep for 10mins and drink up to two cups a day to help relieve symptoms of coughs and colds, tonsillitis and respiratory infections. Sage is said to do wonders for symptoms related with menopause. If you are having trouble sleeping try putting dried Sage leaves in a secure pouch under or near your pillow. Sage is also a powerful antiseptic and if combined with your toothpaste can help reduce and remove plaque as well as help heal bleeding gums. This herb should be avoided during pregnancy or if you are affected by epilepsy, also do not take in large doses or for extended periods without consulting a doctor.

With the all benefits that Sage can bring to you, medicinal, culinary or otherwise, there's no reason not to have this growing at home. You'll be able to see, feel and taste the benefits straight away.

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