How to grow sage in a raised bed

Sage is a handsome, hardy Mediterranean herb with soft grey-green leaves and a warm, savoury flavour. Give it sun and drainage in a raised bed and it'll reward you for years.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun
• Spacing: 45–60 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 23 cm+ depth; good drainage
• Time to harvest: pick once established

When to plant: Sage is a perennial — plant in spring or autumn for years of leaf. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

Growing it in a raised bed: Plant into free-draining mix in full sun and go easy on feeding — lush, forced growth is weak and flavourless. Prune after flowering to keep it compact.

Watering and feeding: Water to establish, then only in dry spells. Sage rots in constantly wet soil, so a raised bed suits it.

Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids and whiteflies — though most herbs are pleasingly pest-resistant. See our safe pest guide.

Common problems: the main one to watch is powdery mildew and downy mildew, usually from damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow and morning watering prevent most.

Companion plants: A good companion to carrots, brassicas and rosemary; keep it away from cucumbers. See our companion planting guide.

Harvest and storage: Pick leaves as you need them, year-round. The flavour is best before flowering; dry surplus leaves in an airy spot.

More growing guides: rosemary, thyme and oregano.

Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.