Sow sage seeds into moist seed compost and keep them somewhere warm and bright while they germinate.

Keep young seedlings lightly moist but avoid constantly wet compost. As they develop, give them enough space and light to produce sturdy growth.

Sage prefers full sun and free-draining conditions. Once plants are established, they are relatively drought tolerant.

Water young plants while they establish, allowing excess water to drain away. Established sage needs less water and dislikes sitting in waterlogged compost.

Regularly taking young growth helps encourage a bushier plant. As sage matures, light pruning helps prevent it becoming overly woody.

Its flowers are also attractive to bees and other pollinating insects.

Once established, pick leaves as required. Take young, healthy leaves and avoid removing too much from a small plant at once.

Sage doesn't need heavy feeding. Container-grown plants can receive occasional light feeding during active growth if needed.

Drainage matters more than constant watering. Sage copes better with slightly dry conditions once established than with roots sitting in wet compost.