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

For growing oregano for use in the kitchen, there are two common varieties:

For Mediterranean style, go with Greek Oregano – this is the type we know most.

For French cuisine style, it’s good to use Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare), as it has less smell and tastes sweeter.

Varieties of growing oregano can be defined by the color of clusters, some pink, some purple. This perennial herb grows well in most temperate climates.

It may sound surprising, but oregano, is actually part of the mint species. The Greek word oregano 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 remain above 45 degrees F. Oregano needs to be kept at this temperature, as it cannot tolerate cold conditions. Throughout the winter season, place the oregano in window boxes.

Make sure the ground does not retain water.

With oregano, it is best not to add any fertilizer or compost, as this tends to change the flavor of the herb.

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

If you can’t furnish a well-drained bed for the plants, try growing oregano in pots instead.

Place the oregano plants a foot 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

Do not 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.

At the time when your oregano has grown to the height of about 5 inches, It is time to start harvesting by taking leaves from the stem.

In order to encourage new growth, cut the plant back on occasion by about 3 inches – do this throughout the season.

Oregano Benefits

As for the medicinal purposes of growing oregano, the herb is good for arthritus, glaucoma of the eye, and chest infections.

For colds or flu, a small handful of oregano in a quart of boiling water is a natural remedy. This technique can get rid of a nasty head cold, while at the same time leaving the skin moisturized and soft.

Uses for Oregano:

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

You can dry, chop or freeze oregano for long time storage.

You’ll love how easy growing oregano is.

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