Correct fertilization plays a key role in ensuring that sage thrives and at the same time builds up a high content of essential oils in the leaves. We looked over the professionals' shoulders and modified the findings for the hobby garden.
Fertilize sage in harmony with nature - this is how it works
Nitrogen optimizes aroma and potassium strengthens frost resistance, while phosphorus has a beneficial effect on flower and seed growth. According to these findings, commercial farmers fertilize their sage fields. Since mineral fertilizers are not allowed in the environmentally and health-conscious house garden, the following modification for the organic-biological nutrient supply is recommended:
- Fertilize sage every 2 weeks from March with compost and nitrogenous horn shavings
- In addition, apply nettle manure directly to the root area
- In July and August, combine compost with potassium-rich comfrey manure
- Fertilize sage in the pot with organic liquid fertilizer or fertilizer sticks
- From the end of August do not apply any more fertilizer
If you aim to harvest the seeds as seed for the next year, a change in the fertilization plan is recommended when bud formation begins. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers, such as nettle manure, are exchanged for phosphorus-rich nutrients. These include poultry manure or guano (€121.99), the natural fertilizer made from the excrement of South American seabirds.
Make your own plant manure
The ecologically oriented hobby gardener always has a supply of the most important plant manure at hand during the growing season. These include nettle and comfrey manure, which play an important role both in the supply of nutrients and in the fight against diseases and pests. The following recipe has worked well:
- Harvest nettle or comfrey leaves from non-flowering plants
- Put 1 kilogram of fresh leaves or 200 grams of dried leaves in a vat
- Pour 10 liters of water over it, stir and cover with a wire rack
- Stir daily with a wooden stick for the next 10-14 days
The addition of rock flour (14.13€) or charcoal ash reduces the unpleasant smell. When a dark brown broth has developed, it is sieved and kept in the shady, remote garden area. Plant manure is generally used diluted in a ratio of 1:10 in a watering can and 1:50 in a pressure sprayer.
tips and tricks
Where several sage bushes are to be planted in the bed, green manure in advance provides valuable starting aid. Sown in March, popular varieties such as bee friend or marigolds prepare the site perfectly. Crimson clover or Persian clover effectively pre-loosen particularly heavy soil, as they can be applied in the previous year.
GTH