Zucchini germinates easily too. So you're good on that.
I don't stake my maters. I put 'em in cages. I made my cages out of old sheepwire I had laying around. I like them better than stakes. Just put 'em over the plants when they're little and you ain't gotta worry.
I tried everything with sage here. First, I transplanted my plant from home. It died. Nothing else that I dug and transplanted died! Even the rosemary which everyone *told* me wouldn't work has thrived! Then, I planted seeds and last summer I bought a nice healthy plant and planted it again. All 3 of these attempts were in different spots in the yard. I'm bumfuzzled!
Mmm...rosemary. I still wanna give that a try someday. But some of the people I play music with grow herbs (hence the wild thyme thing...) and they said it doesn't like it here. REALLY doesn't like cold at all. I guess at least I can get fresher rosemary from the bulk place...but it'd be nice if I could get it!
I'll let you know how my sage does...
I wonder how much premade cages for maters cost? And does it attach to it by itself? I know nuffin...