Sage

Planting:

Sow directly in the garden 1⁄8 inch deep, in late spring. Thin to 2 feet apart when seedlings are 4 inches tall. Prefers well-drained soil in full sun. Keep the soil moist when the seedlings are young.

Growing:

Once established, prune the plants severely in the spring to keep them from setting seed, and replace them every 3 years or so, as they will become less productive and somewhat woody. Harvest sage before the plant flowers. Gather sprigs, tie in a loose bundle and hang upside down in a cool, airy place. Do not dry in direct sunlight. When the sprigs are dry and brittle, remove the leaves from the stems. Store either crumbled or whole in airtight containers.