When to plant Sage in Compton, MD
In Compton, Sage is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 12–April 26 for an 75–90-day harvest, finishing well before the November 4 first frost.
When to Plant Sage in Compton, MD
Your July game plan for St. Mary's County, Maryland
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this July, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Bring in the sage
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
- First harvests: sage
Sage is a woody perennial herb with velvety gray-green leaves and a warm, peppery flavor. It is a traditional seasoning for poultry, stuffing, and sausage.
Compton, Maryland is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.
At an elevation of 156 feet, St. Mary's County receives approximately 41.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Sage during the growing season.
Compton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Sage Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Compton
How your county's soil matches Sage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.9) overlaps with Sage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in St. Mary's County is excellent for Sage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Sage.
How to Plant Sage
Succession Planting Sage
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 06 to harvest before frost.
Sage Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Sage
Sage needs approximately 0.3 inches of water per week (1.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Sage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.3" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in St. Mary's County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sage Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Sage Planting Timeline — Compton, MD
Sage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Harvest | June 28 | Jun 28 – Aug 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.3"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
75–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
213 days in St. Mary's County
Growing Tips for Sage in Compton
Direct sow Sage outdoors after April 05 in St. Mary's County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Start from seed or cuttings. Prune after flowering to maintain shape. Replace plants every 4-5 years when they become woody and less productive. Excellent drainage is essential.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Sage in Other Locations
When should I plant Sage in Compton, MD?
In Compton, MD, plant Sage after the last frost (around April 5) and before the first frost (around November 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Compton, MD for Sage?
Compton sits in USDA Zone 8a. Sage grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sage grow in Compton's climate?
Yes — Sage grows well in Compton's temperate climate. Compton averages a 213-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 5 and first frost around November 4.
Your St. Mary's County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for St. Mary's County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.