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!

Square-Foot Gardening: Growing More With Less

by Sarah Jay

Low on space but want to grow food? Check out these awesome square foot garden ideas and turn efficiency & beauty into self sufficiency.

Dahlia Flowers: How To Grow Dahlias By The Bunch

by Sarah Jay

Black Touch Dahila growing in the garden with pink and black blooms

Dahlia flowers come in many shapes and colors, and add style to a space. Read our in-depth guide to learn how to grow dahlias in your garden!

5 Ways to Improve Drainage in Your Raised Garden Beds

by Sarah Jay

Gardener working on raised garden beds to improve drainage.

Do you live in a region with heavy, compact soil? In these types of soils, growing anything food-worthy is a chore. You may find yourself tilling every year, as nutrients are depleted in the soil. Or you may find yourself adding amendments every season with little improvement. Situations like these call for raised beds. Not … Read more