Tips for Growing Oregano

How does your garden grow? To start growing oregano, you need to know which variety you want to sow. There are different types of oregano, ornamental or culinary (edible). You cannot go wrong growing oregano, it is simple to cultivate, harvest, and consume

When growing oregano for kitchen use, there is two varieties to consider.

‘Greek Oregano’ can be used in Mediterranean style cooking. We associate this type most with the oregano flavor.

‘Wild Marjoram’, Origanum vulgare, is popular in French cuisine; it has a less intense odor and sweeter taste.

Different types of growing oregano have purple or pink clusters that bloom in June. This year round plant can grow well in most moderate weather conditions.

You may be surprised to learn that oregano is a member of the mint family. The word oregano in Greece means “joy of the mountain” Oregano grew like wildfire on the hills in Greece. Greek shepherds used to encourage their flocks to eat the herb, as they believed that it made the meat tender, and even taste better.

Work a plant bed over before placing the seeds, then cover with soil. You can start seeds indoors and transplant when temperatures outside remain above 45 degrees F. Oregano needs to be kept at this temperature, as it cannot tolerate cold conditions. Oregano plants can be placed in window boxes during the winter.

Make sure the earth does not retain water.

Do not add compost or fertilizer to the soil, as it will alter the taste of the growing herb.

Never over-water. You can let the growing oregano soil dry a little, and then water, but not too much. You do not want the ground to be soaked.

Try growing oregano in pots if you cannot supply a well draining soil bed.

Oregano plants should be placed 12″ apart. And be sure to place in a sunny position, as this herb needs a minimum of 8 hours sunlight every day.

The plant can grow to the height of about twenty four inches, but usually averages about one foot high.

Tips for Growing Oregano

Never use mulch on oregano plants that will retain moisture such as wood chips, straw, or grass. Using stone mulch helps prevent root rot.

Clip off the flower heads if your plant begins to bloom to give you more oregano leaves at harvest time.

When the oregano has reached a height of around five inches, you can begin harvesting by pinching the leaves off the plants.

Cut the growing herb back about three inches continually throughout the season to encourage new growth.

Oregano Benefits

The best medical uses of growing oregano are for chest infections, arthritis, glaucoma, and hypertension.

Oregano is also a natural remedy for colds and flu, by boiling the leaves in water. Not only does this aromatherapy vaporize a head cold, but also it leaves your skin soft and moisturized.

Oregano uses

Use oregano leaves as a welcome addition to all types of dishes, especially fish, meats, salads, sauces, and stews.

Oregano can be dried and stored or chopped and saved in the freezer.

You’ll love how easy growing oregano is.

The best part besides the flavor is having the herb available all year.