Growing Sage - Homesteading 101

Perennial Zones 4 – 8 (Hardiness Varies)

Sage is a shrubby perennial that’s an obvious choice for the kitchen.  From spring through mid-summer, Sage displays blue to lavender flowers which are very attractive to birds.  It has an earthy, rich, spicy flavor and it is part of the mint family.

The most popular types of culinary Sage are Garden Sage, Golden Garden Sage, Berggarten Garden Sage, Dwarf Garden Sage, Tricolor Garden Sage, and Window Box Sage.

Starting Sage from Seed

Seed Longevity:                                            2 years.

Seed Sowing Depth:                                     Surface, cover lightly.

Best Soil Temp for Germination:                   65 – 70 degrees.

Days to Germination:                                    15-21 days.

Spring Sowing:                                             

Sow Indoors 6 – 8 weeks before the last frost.  Transplant out after the last frost date.

Fall:    Not recommended.

Winter Sowing

If you haven't tried winter sowing, you're in for a treat.  This method is especially good for sowing herbs.  Winter sowing is basically sowing seeds in the bottom of milk jugs in the winter, setting the milk jugs outside for the winter and leaving them there until the seeds germinate in the Spring.
For our article containing detailed information about Winter Sowing, see our separate article.

Herb Scissors

Herb Mincer

Growing Sage

Plant Size:                                                     1-3’ Height.

Growing Soil Temperature:                            55 – 80 degrees.

Spacing:                                                         12 - 18”.

Container Size:                                              12” x 12” good size for Sage.

Soil:                                                                Well-drained.                                                             

Watering:                                    Light, only during dry spells.  Avoid overwatering.

Light/Sun:                                    Full sun to light shade.

Fertilizer:                                      Add some compost throughout the year.

Other Care Tips:   

• Prefers cool to warm temperatures and will need some shade during the hot weather.
• The plant should be replaced every 4-5 years.
• Remove flower spikes before they have a chance to flower.
• After three years, trim off woody parts to encourage new growth.

Dividing Sage

Best to divide Sage every 4-5 years when the plant becomes woody.  Dig up the entire plant, and using a sharp shovel, divide it into sections.  Remove all woody parts and replant the tender sections planting at the same depth.

Softwood Cuttings of Sage

Take cuttings in spring when new growth is several inches in length.  Side shoots of 4" in length are perfect. Cut the stem at an angle and remove lower leaves leaving an inch or two of the stem bare.  Plant cutting bare side down into a well-drained soil mix.  No fertilizer is needed at this stage.

Wrap the container in plastic to keep in humidity.  Avoid having the leaves touch the plastic.  Place the pot in light but out of direct light.  Keep soil moist but never soggy.  Remove the plastic when cutting grows roots.  A light tug that gives you some resistance means it has rooted.

Harvesting Sage

Start to harvest Sage once you see good growth on the plant.  Best harvested when tops of blossoms are barely open.  You can gather leaves at any time.  Sage is most flavorful as flowers begin to open. Purple-leaved Sage tends to be more aromatic than green-leaved Sage.

Storing Sage

Fresh
Damp Paper Towel

This method works well for hardy herbs that have woody stems as well as a few soft-stemmed herbs.

Clean and thoroughly dry the Sage.  Arrange lengthwise in a single layer on a slightly damp paper towel.  Loosely roll up the herb and transfer to a plastic bag or plastic wrap.  Label and store in the fridge.  Sage will stay fresh in the fridge using this method for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing

For best results, use frozen Sage within 1-2 years.  By freezing herbs, you will lose some of the herb's texture but preserve the flavor.  Here are a few freezing options to consider:

Tray Freeze

Strip leaves off the stems of the Sage and spread onto a cookie sheet on a single layer. Freeze in the freezer, then place it in a labeled freezer bag to store.  Since the leaves are frozen separately, you can easily remove the amount you need.

Ice Cube Trays with Oil

This method works well for hard-stemmed herbs that would probably be cooked when adding to a dish.  The oil reduces some of the browning and freezer burns.

Clean and thoroughly dry herbs.  Mince and firmly pack herbs into an ice cube tray 3/4 full.  Add Olive Oil to fill and freeze.  Transfer frozen cubes into labeled freezer bags to store.

Flat Freezer Bag

Trim off the stems and place them in a labeled freezer bag.  Squeeze out the air, flatten the freezer bag, label and store.

Drying

Sage contains more oil than most other herbs so it dries more slowly.  It is one of the best herbs to dry.   For best results, use dried Sage within 1-2 years.

Hang to Dry

Pick your Sage in bunches right before you intend to store them.  Tie the bottom of the bunch together with twine and hang upside down to dry in a dry, low humidity area. For added protection against dust, you can put the bundles inside paper bags with plenty of holes for ventilation.  When the herbs are dry, the leaves will crumble easily between your fingers.  Store in an airtight container.

Using Sage

• Sage can be overwhelming so start with small amounts.
• Use leaves fresh in recipes or add them sparingly to salads.
• Dried sage is commonly used with Thanksgiving stuffing. 
• It can be paired with pork, beans, potatoes, and cheese. 
• You can mix it into a soft cheese for a tasty bread spread.

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Growing Mint - Homesteading 101

Mint is a hardy perennial commonly associated with sweets.  Mint lends a cool, peppery bite to plenty of dishes.  It’s very fragrant, fast-growing but it can be invasive.

Starting from Mint Seed

Mint is very difficult to grow from seed and most plants grown from seed will be different than the parent plant.  This is because they are hybrid varieties that don't come true to form when grown from seed.  Growing Mint from seed is not recommended, but here are the details.

Growing Mint

Plant size:                                 Height 12”–18” height  Spreading.

Spacing:                                    8-24”.

Container Size:                         2 seedlings in a 12” container.

Soil:                                           Avoid very heavy soil.

Watering:                                  Loves moist soil.

Light/Sun:                                 morning sun and part afternoon shade.

Fertilizer:                                  Fertile soil.  Diluted fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

Good Companions:                  Peas, tomatoes.

Bad Companions:                    Keep away from other spices.  Taste can transfer.

        Other Care Tips              

•  The plant can be rather invasive as it spreads through runners underground.
• In fall, cut back the plant to the ground
• Trim off the top of the plant for compact growth
• Mulch plant before the first frost.
• Bring a plant indoors in later summer for winter.

herb mincer

Dividing Mint

Mint propagates well through rootball division.  Use a sharp shovel to cut into desired pieces and replant at the same depth.  Dividing a Mint plant every two or three years will help keep the fresh scent and the flavor of the mint nice and strong.

Softwood Cuttings

Cut off a 4” sprig and place in 1” of water.  Remove leaves that fall below the waterline.  Small roots should appear under the water.  Change water every three to four days to prevent rot.  Wait another week then plant in soil.

Harvesting Mint

Right before flowering, cut the stems 1 inch from the ground. You can harvest one mint plant two or three times in one growing season. You can also just pick the leaves as you need them. You can grow the plants indoors for fresh leaves throughout the winter.

Storing Mint

Fresh
Bouquet Storage

This method works well for tender herbs with soft stems and leaves.

Clean and thoroughly dry the herb.  Trim the end of the stems and remove any wilted or browned leaves.  Place the Mint in a Mason jar or clear glass with 1" of water like a bouquet of flowers. Loosely cover with a plastic bag or cling wrap.  Label and store in the fridge.

Mint will stay fresh in the fridge with this method for up to 2 weeks.

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Freezing

For best results, use frozen Mint within 1-2 years.  By freezing herbs, you will lose some of the herb's texture but preserve the flavor.  Here are a few freezing options to consider:

Tray Freeze

Spread herb onto a cookie sheet on a single layer. Freeze in the freezer, then transfer the mint into a labeled freezer bag to store.  Since the leaves are frozen separately, you can easily remove the amount you need.

Ice Cube Trays

Clean and thoroughly dry the mint.  Mince and pack firmly into ice cube trays 3/4 full.  Add water to fill and freeze.  Transfer frozen cubes into a labeled freezer bag to store.

Flat Freezer Bag

Clean and thoroughly dry the mint.  Chop herb into 1/2" pieces, place in a labeled freezer bag. Squeeze out the air, lay flat and freeze.

Drying Mint

For best results, use dried Mint within 1-2 years.

Hang to Dry

Pick your herbs in bunches right before you intend to store them.  Tie the bottom of the bunch together with twine and hang upside down to dry in a dry, low humidity area. For added protection against dust, you can put the bundles inside paper bags with plenty of holes for ventilation.  When the herbs are dry, the leaves will crumble easily between your fingers.  Store in an airtight container.

Using Mint

• Perfect for summer salads and to liven up a sauce and to brew fragrant teas. 
• The flavor is also used to temper spicy curries. 
• Mint complements fish, chicken, lamb, and spices up vegetables like carrots and peas. 
• Spices up salads, too.

Growing your own herbs is fun, easy, more healthy than the herbs shipped to grocery stores, and what's best, saves you tons of money! Try it today.

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Growing Hostas From Seed

So you're wondering, can I grow a hosta from seed? Growing hostas from seed is a tricky endeavor, but if you have patience and keep a few things in mind, it can be worth your time.

 

Unique and Fun Hosta-Related Gift Ideas

Welcome to part two of our hosta gift ideas blog! 

If you missed Part 1 which includes important and very practical tools and supplies for your hosta garden, you can read it here:  Great Hosta Gifts

Now onto our top picks for unique hosta-related gifts.

Great Gifts for Hosta Lovers

Great Practical Gifts for Hosta Lovers!

Besides the Plants!

Whether you're buying for yourself or that hosta lover you know, it's not easy to find great gifts aside from hosta plants (which are ALWAYS a good gift choice)?

Here are some great gift ideas that any hosta lover would love.  The end of the blog has a link to our list of unique hosta gifts sure to please any hostaholic or hosta lover!

Spring Care for Hostas!

Spring Care for Hosta Plants

After a long, dreary winter, Springtime in the hosta garden seems like a magical time.  The hostas are sprouting their gorgeous green tips signaling the beginning of another great gardening season!

Keep your hostas looking happy and healthy with these seasonal reminders and care tips for Spring! 

Top Ten Hosta Questions

 

Top Ten Hosta Questions Answered
Some Answers May Surprise You!

Hostas are one of the most popular perennials of all time.  Here at Sunset Hosta Farm.com, we get a lot of questions about hostas.  Following is a list of the ten top questions we are asked about hostas and their care.

Advantages of Growing Hostas in Pots

 

Blue Mouse Ears Hosta in Hypertufa Pot

Advantages of
Growing Hostas in Pots

Potted hostas are not only a great way to show off those gorgeous hosta leaves, but there are many other advantages to growing hosta plants in pots and containers.   I bet there are a few advantages listed here that you haven't thought of. 

  

Winter Care for your Potted Hostas!

A frequent question we get is, will hostas survive over the winter in pots, or, how can I winterize my potted hostas?   Although hostas are very forgiving plants, hostas in pots do need some care over the winter. 

Hostas need a six-week period of temperatures below 40 degrees for their winter sleep. But since during this time the potted hostas can be exposed to several freezes and thaws, they need extra care to prevent damage to their roots.

Winter Care of Hostas

Winter Care for Hosta Plants

Hostas are hardy in cold winters. In fact, hostas only need four to six weeks of temperatures below 40 degrees for the hostas to go dormant and get their winter sleep. There is no winter growth during this time like there is with some other perennials. 

Revive Hosta Soil

 

     

Reviving the Old Soil in Hosta Pots

Your potted hostas will greatly benefit from the container soil being refreshed every year.  It doesn't take long, and your hostas will thank you by displaying beautiful, healthy leaves.

And as you know, when we talk about hostas, It's All About the Leaves!!!

Once you learn the basics of healthy soil, you'll be able to recharge last year's potting soil and save a lot of money by doing so.

All About Hostas -- Hostas 101

Ultimate Guide to Growing Hostas

Hostas (plantain lilies) are hardy herbaceous perennials that grow well in Zones 3 through 8, with some that can tolerate the heat of Zone 9. 

It's no surprise they continue to be one of the most popular perennials for shade gardens. Their beauty, toughness, and ease of care make them well suited for a shady or partly shady area and they will quickly become even a new gardener's favorite plant! 

The Beauty of Mini Hostas

The Beauty of Miniature Hostas!

Mini hostas, whether they're the adorable mouse-ear types or the dainty leafed varieties, they always get noticed.   Minis are well suited for any type of mini to small garden, be it rock garden, fairy garden or mini garden collections.

 

Hostas for Early Spring Color!

After a winter that seems like it will never end, I am always anxious to see the first flush of color in my garden.  If you're looking for early spring color in your shady or part sunny perennial or hosta garden, look no further than hostas! 

The Versatility of Hostas!

The Versatility of Hosta Plants!

Hostas are not only beautiful, but they also come in a large variety of leaf colors, sizes and shapes.

But did you know that hostas are so versatile that there are other advantages to adding hostas in your garden other than their beauty? 

Why Birds Aren't Using Your Birdbath

It’s been said that birdbaths attract more birds than bird feeders do. I believe that may be true as I know plenty of people who have several feeders but no birdbaths in their yard and they are wondering where their bird visitors are.

If you have a birdbath that is open for business but no feathery customers are visiting, you may find the reason below.

Problems with Placement

1. Birds simply don't see the birdbath.

Even if a birdbath is clean and filled with sparkling water, it's not doing the birds any good if they can't find it. The birdbath should be easily seen from the sky.

2. The birdbath is placed in full sun.

The water may be too warm to be refreshing. Moving the birdbath to a shadier spot may be all you need to do. Some shade will also keep the water fresh longer.

3. The birdbath was placed in an area that doesn't appear safe.

Skittish birds feel safer if they can see in all directions while they drink or bathe. They also want to see a quick route to flee from danger or even perceived danger. A birdbath that is too far from cover may discourage your birds from landing there.

Place the birdbath in an area where there are some trees or big shrubs nearby but not close enough that predators can hide near it.
Birdbaths placed on the ground can be hard for the birds to see and be more dangerous than ones placed on pedestals. 

If you must have the birdbath placed on the ground, be sure to place it at least six feet away from places where predators could lurk.

The birdbath itself.

4. Slippery Surfaces.

Many birdbaths, like ceramic ones, have a rather slippery coating that may force the birds that are trying to land there to make a rather unnerving landing.

A simple solution to this is to arrange stones (or branches) in the water so birds can safely land on them then stand on them to drink without touching the slippery surface at all.

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Problems with the water.

5. The water is too deep.

The fact is that birds can drown in deep water. Birds prefer very shallow water where they can safely sip or bathe.

As a rule, the deepest part of the bath in the center should be no deeper than about two inches.

6. The water in the birdbath is not clean.

It's pretty obvious that birds will not visit a birdbath that is full of decaying leaves or debris or has a growth of algae. Not only will birds generally ignore that birdbath altogether, but they could get very sick if they do visit.

7. Clean water is not continuously supplied.

Once your birds have become used to a water supply in your garden, you should ensure that you continue to offer it to them. If your birdbath is often empty, then birds will soon try to find another more continuous source of water.

Those Sneaky Neighbors!

8. The area birds have found a better option.

Maybe your neighbor has a more inviting location for drinking and bathing!

If this is the case you can one-up your neighbor's offering by adding a source of moving water to your birdbath. Not only does moving water attract birds, but it will also prevent mosquitos from breeding there. And a side benefit is that birdbaths with moving water won't need to be cleaned as often.

Above is a pretty inexpensive solar fountain pump that can do the work for you.

If you're more a DIY-er, here is a great idea I wish I had thought of myself.

Recycle an old bucket or plastic container by punching a tiny hole in the bottom, filling it with water, and hanging it above the birdbath so the water drips slowly down.

Another way to outdo the neighbor is by making sure that your birds have water to drink, even in the coldest weather.

The heated birdbath pictured above is the one that I use.  I like that it sits securely on my deck rail so I can watch the birds from the warm comfort of my window!   

Or you can purchase an inexpensive deicer like the one above.  With either choice, you can expect some activity all winter year long!

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I hope you found these tips helpful.  Here are some related articles about the care of your feathery friends:

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Choosing the Best Bird Bath

Great Gifts for Bird Lovers

Choosing the Right Bird Feeder

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Fall Care for Hostas

  

Fall Care for Hosta Plants

With fresh air and fewer insects and plant diseases to worry about, Fall is a pretty great time in the garden.


But for hostas, those beautiful leaves are beginning to die back making the plant look a bit ragged, but the plant is just conserving energy and getting ready for their winter sleep where they will await warm Spring temperatures.

Homestead Holidays! How to Save Money while Making the Kids Happy!

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Homestead Holidays

How to Save Money while Making the Kids Happy!

Guest Post By  Brandi Goodnight

goodnighttobadhabits.com

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Holidays can be hard.

Holidays can be hard, and this year is no exception. In fact, this year may feel harder than in previous years. We want to make our kid's holiday a special one, but our finances may say otherwise. Shopping for the family can be stressful but with a plan, it can be easier.

Is it possible to save money during the Holidays and still make our kids happy? The quick answer is, yes. In many cases, you do not need to spend an arm and a leg to make kids happy. We will discuss multiple ways to save money without sacrificing the Holidays for our kids.

The true meaning of the holidays.

The holidays are a time of family and reflection. Bringing those values back to this time of year will provide love and happiness in the house. Kindness and Joy may be all around us year-round, but now is the time to make it a focal point.

The holidays can be stressful, we become hard on ourselves, expecting everything to be perfect. Our inner perfectionists come out (I am totally guilty of this) and we run ourselves ragged. We need to remind ourselves that sometimes being there is what counts the most.

Holiday shopping for the young kids.

When I was a mom of young kids I was told about want, need, wear, read. This helps keep down on the number of toys the kids will have along with providing different, cheaper options for the holiday season.

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Choosing one item off their holiday list can not only save you money but also let other family members have options as well. I have seen many people use the need option to give their kids a new toothbrush, new sheets, anything the child might be needing at the time.

Something I wear could be those holiday pajamas they open the night before. Finally, something I read, can be a fun way to nudge your kids into loving to read. Find a book that showcases their interests. My sons were really into Minecraft, so I got them those books once upon a time.

 

Holiday shopping for the older kids.

As kids get older, they become more expensive. They want electronics, video games, and Money. You can continue that above strategy, but it was one I stopped once the expensive gifts came into play. There are many ways I figure out their presents.

Sometimes it a matter of saving money through the year or finding the right deal. Black Friday will not always be the best deal. If I do shop during that time, it is all online. Another way is to spread out the buying throughout the year.

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Buying one present a month starting in January can help the feelings it comes with shopping for everyone on your list. Once kids become teenagers, their interests don't change as fast anymore so this strategy is a little easier to pull off. It also makes buying all those electronics a little easier on your wallet.

Other options are gift cards. These allow the older kids to buy the things they want and leave the stress of guessing off your shoulders. My kids love gift cards. If the top of their lists has a big-ticket item, the entire family can pitch in with gift cards and the child can pick out their item that way.

What can you do this year to make shopping easier?

Start with a game plan.

Always starting with a game plan and never falling into the retail deal death trap. This especially goes for Black Friday. The electronics your kids want may be an amazing deal on that day. However, as you walk through the mall, do not be tempted to go into retail stores that do not support your list. You could be tempted to buy something you did not need because of a deal you found in a store.

Coordinate with other family members.

Coordinate with other family members to go in on the big-ticket items. You can also plan less expensive items or fun trips for the kids to help give them more than one gift. Maybe the whole family goes in on the new Xbox Series X, and you plan a trip to the zoo or sledding with your kids. 

You can even tailor those trips to be one on one to make it even more special.

Start Early.

Start next year's shopping in January if you buy for the whole family. Start with parents, siblings, and extended family and friends at the beginning of the year and your kids towards the end.

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Go grab that pen a paper and start planning your holiday shopping with a strategy for gifts, shopping, and family time! Let me know how the holidays are treating you!   LiveLaughLoveHonestly@gmail.com.

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Brandi Goodnight, Freelance Writer

Goodnighttobadhabits.com

 

Guest Author Spotlight
My name is Brandi Goodnight, I am a mother to 3 teens and a wife of 16 years. When I had my oldest I became a SAHM, I went back to work 5 years ago. I have worked and continue to work on improving who I am as a person. I want to share my journey and help others on theirs.

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