How to intercrop sage
How to intercrop sage
Common sage (Salvia officinalis L., 1753) is a small herbaceous perennial plant of the Lamiaceae family.
Sage has been used in cooking since ancient times, as an aromatic plant.
Despite its Mediterranean origin, the presence of sage to flavor various types of meat has been consolidated for centuries in almost all European culinary traditions. Less common but not rare is its use for different types of foods: pasta (tortelloni with butter and sage are very well known in Italy), herb cheeses, soups and sage leaves fried in batter. In the Middle East, sage is used to flavor roast mutton.
As with all plants, sage benefits from the intercropping technique.
Sage pairs well with many plants. Among the best options are cabbage and carrot, which benefit from the aroma of sage to keep pests away. Tomato also pairs well with sage, as the latter helps improve the flavor of the fruit. Additionally, sage can be planted near aromatic plants such as thyme and oregano, which have similar growing needs. Finally, sage can be intercropped with rocket, as both plants prefer well-drained soil and a sunny position.
Below are the most frequent combinations with indications of the particular benefits.
Carrots: Sage helps repel the carrot fly, a common pest of carrots.
Cabbages: Sage can help keep away cabbage butterflies that lay their eggs on cabbages.
Strawberries: Sage can improve the growth and health of strawberries.
Tomatoes: Sage can help improve the flavor of tomatoes and repel some pests.
Rosemary: Sage and rosemary grow well together as they have similar soil and water needs.
Thyme: Like sage, thyme is another aromatic plant that can benefit from similar growing conditions.
Lavender: Both plants thrive in drought conditions and can help each other keep pests away.
Oregano: Sage and oregano can grow well together, both being Mediterranean plants with similar needs.
Beans: Sage can help repel aphids that attack beans.
However, it is important to avoid planting sage near the cucumber, as it can hinder the growth of the latter. Furthermore, it is advisable to maintain an adequate distance between plants to allow good air circulation and prevent humidity problems and fungal diseases.
However, when intercropping sage with other plants, it is advisable to evaluate the pedoclimatic conditions of the area where they will be planted.