Sarah Jay, Author at Epic Gardening

About Sarah Jay

Sarah Jay

TX Master Naturalist

Hi, I’m Sarah Jay!

I grew up in my family’s gardens in Long Island and near Houston, Texas. I moved north from Houston for college at the University of North Texas where I earned my Bachelor’s in English Literature and Master’s in Applied Anthropology. It was during my time at college that I began studying plant medicines.

Moving from the Gulf Coast to North Texas was a bit of a soil shock, but working within these limitations has helped sculpt me into the gardener I am today. I spend a lot of time researching soil, native/adapted plants, and ecological systems that make up our world. My goal in life is to empower readers of gardening and herbal publications to grow gracefully, practically, and efficiently so they can achieve desired results in their gardens.

Currently, I’m focused on the ecology of the North Texas Cross Timbers and Blackland Prairie regions where I live. This past year I’ve been certified as a Texas Master Naturalist. In my yard, I conducted experiments with sheet mulching, Hügelkultur, and varying forms of companion planting. I enjoy building pollinator corridors and growing wildflowers in my yard. I spend time on the prairie and hope to have an opportunity in the future to restore a small piece of land of my own. When I’m not immersed in the bounty of the earth, I’m making music, practicing Kung-fu, and studying various religions.

Q: What is your favorite plant?

A: Recently I’ve been absolutely enamored with North Texas prairie plants. They’re hardy, they host native species of birds and pollinators, and they support the soil in their native regions. Notable mentions here are Antelope Horn Milkweed, Double Purple Datura, and Tickseed. Snow on the Prairie and Lady’s Tresses are two plants I’m always thrilled to see in the wild, too.

Q: What is your “spirit vegetable”?

A: This one is easier. I love (LOVE) hardy greens – specifically collard greens. Any variety. They are easy to grow and maintain and they are packed with nutrition. If I could eat greens at every meal, I certainly would.

Q: What’s the most unusual plant you’ve grown?

A: My husband returned from a trip to South Texas with a plant native to the Tamaulipan scrubland, botanically named Jatropha cathartica. This perennial desert plant grows from a tuberous root that produces tons of almost succulent stems with serrated palmate leaves. It goes completely dormant in winter, with all its leaves dying. In spring, it bounces back to life and produces red flowers that produce wild-looking seed pods!

Okra Companion Plants: Pals For Your Pods

by Sarah Jay

If you pick the right okra companion plants you’ll improve your garden. We’ve got information about what’s right and wrong for your okra!

Hardneck Garlic: How To Grow Delicious Bulbs At Home

by Sarah Jay

Bundles of dried hardneck garlic, tied together by the stems, on top of a table

Purple or pink-streaked, white or multihued. Whichever you choose, grow hardneck garlic this year! Our guide gives you the top tips.

28 Types of Broccoli You Should Grow This Year

by Sarah Jay

Broccolini exploded on the grocery scene when it was first introduced

Did you know there are many types of broccoli, some of which look nothing like the classic variety? Pick a new one to grow in our guide.

Bells of Ireland Care: How To Grow Moluccella Laevis

by Sarah Jay

Bells of Ireland is a great beginner flower to try in your ornamental garden

Admired for their interesting look, Bells of Ireland is a popular plant among gardening enthusiasts! Learn how to grow this plant at home.

Rabbit’s Foot Fern: A Fuzzy Fun Houseplant

by Sarah Jay

The rabbit’s foot fern is a perfect way to add some softness to your indoor or outdoor plant collection. Learn how to grow them here!

Harvesting Potatoes: How to Know When Your Potatoes Are Ready

by Sarah Jay

Harvesting potatoes is a tricky task, since they’re underground. This is your ultimate guide to knowing exactly when to dig your taters up.

Plant Labels: Creative Ways to Use Them

by Sarah Jay

Are plant labels confusing? Our detailed guide will demystify the standard information on plant tags and lend a hand to all gardeners!

Gardening With Children: 5 Tips To Get Them Outside

by Sarah Jay

Gardening with children is so much fun! Some of my favorite childhood memories involve gardening with my grandparents. Tasting chives and carrots fresh from the garden bed was truly something that gave me the inspiration to garden today. Most kids can get something out of gardening, and tasting that fresh produce is a great way … Read more

Composting Leaves: How to Achieve Fast Leaf Decay

by Sarah Jay

Let’s get real for a second: composting leaves is one of the smartest things you can do for your garden. It’s a great way to mulch, fertilize, and generally improve your soil. There are tons of different ways to approach it too! If you haven’t gotten into it yet, or don’t know where to start, … Read more

20 Perfect Plants For Your Window Boxes

by Sarah Jay

Because windows are a popular cultivation spot for urban gardeners, knowing the best plants for window boxes is important! Due to their small size and efficient location right outside the window frame, window boxes offer an additional growing space that even those without a balcony can employ. But the options for what to plant window … Read more