How to Grow Savory in New Jersey

Savory, an aromatic herb belonging to the mint family, is popular for its culinary uses and medicinal properties. Known for its peppery flavor, savory is often used to season meats, vegetables, and soups. For those interested in gardening in New Jersey, growing savory can be a rewarding experience. This article outlines how to successfully cultivate savory in the Garden State.

Understanding Savory

Before diving into the cultivation process, it’s essential to understand the two primary varieties of savory: summer savory (Satureja hortensis) and winter savory (Satureja montana).

Summer Savory

• Characteristics: Annual herb with a more delicate flavor; ideal for kitchen use.
• Growing Season: Best planted in spring after the last frost.
• Uses: Commonly used in dishes with beans, meats, and vegetables.

Winter Savory

• Characteristics: Perennial herb with a stronger flavor; can withstand colder temperatures.
• Growing Season: Can be planted in spring or fall.
• Uses: Great for flavoring heartier dishes and stews.

Choosing the Right Variety for New Jersey

New Jersey experiences a diverse climate ranging from USDA hardiness zones 6b to 7a. While both types of savory can thrive here, summer savory is generally easier for new gardeners as it grows quickly and can be harvested within a few weeks. Winter savory may require more attention but offers the advantage of being a perennial.

Planting Savory

When to Plant

• Summer Savory: Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost date, typically between mid-April and early May in New Jersey.
• Winter Savory: Plant seeds in spring or sow them in late summer for a fall harvest.

Where to Plant

Choose a garden location that receives full sun for at least six hours a day. Savory prefers well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, consider amending it with organic matter, like compost.

Preparing the Soil

1. Testing Soil: Conduct a soil test to check pH levels and nutrient content.
2. Tilling the Soil: Loosen the soil about 12 inches deep.
3. Amending: Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.

How to Plant Seeds

1. Direct Sowing:
2. Create rows spaced about 18 inches apart.
3. Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 12 inches apart.

4. Lightly cover with soil and water gently.

5. Starting Indoors:

6. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
7. Use seed trays filled with quality seed-starting mix.
8. Keep them in a warm place with good light until seedlings are ready to transplant outdoors.

Care and Maintenance

Once your savory plants are established, they will require ongoing care to thrive.

Watering

Savory prefers moderately moist conditions but is drought-tolerant once established. Water plants thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

Fertilization

Savory doesn’t require heavy fertilization. A balanced all-purpose fertilizer applied at planting time is usually sufficient. Over-fertilizing can lead to lush growth but less flavor in the leaves.

Pruning and Harvesting

Pruning helps promote bushier growth:

1. Pruning: Trim back your plants when they reach about 6 inches tall to encourage branching.
2. Harvesting: Start harvesting leaves once plants are well-established (about 6-8 weeks after planting). Use scissors to snip off sprigs while leaving enough foliage for the plant to continue growing.

Pest and Disease Management

Savory is generally pest-resistant but can attract certain bugs such as aphids or spider mites if conditions are unfavorable.

Common Pests

• Aphids: These tiny insects may cluster on new growth. Control them by spraying water directly on affected areas or using insecticidal soap.
• Spider Mites: Look for yellow spots on leaves; these pests thrive in dry conditions. Increase humidity around your plants or apply horticultural oil for control.

Disease Prevention

To prevent fungal diseases like root rot:

1. Ensure proper drainage by not allowing plants to sit in waterlogged soil.
2. Avoid overcrowding plants, which promotes poor air circulation.

Overwintering Winter Savory

If you choose winter savory, you’ll appreciate its resilience during colder months. Mulch around the base of perennial plants before winter sets in to protect roots from freezing temperatures.

Tips for Successful Overwintering:

• Apply a layer of organic mulch (like straw) around your plants before frost hits.
• Water well before the ground freezes; this ensures moisture availability during dry winter months.

Culinary Uses of Savory

Once you’ve successfully grown your savory plants, it’s time to enjoy their flavors! Here are some delicious ways to incorporate savory into your cooking:

1. Savory Herb Butter: Mix softened butter with chopped fresh savory, garlic, and lemon zest for a flavorful compound butter that pairs well with meats and vegetables.
2. Savory Stuffing: Add chopped fresh leaves to stuffing mixtures for poultry or vegetables.
3. Soups & Stews: Enhance flavors by adding fresh or dried savory at the beginning of cooking.
4. Salads & Dressings: Use freshly chopped leaves in salads or make vinaigrettes by mixing them with olive oil and vinegar.

Conclusion

Growing savory in New Jersey can be an enriching experience that enhances your culinary adventures while promoting biodiversity in your garden. By selecting the right variety, providing optimal growing conditions, managing pests effectively, and utilizing your harvest creatively, you can enjoy this versatile herb season after season. Whether you’re adding it to hearty stews or fresh salads, savor every moment you spend nurturing this delightful plant!