Oregano is a must-have in a culinary garden. Its pungent, spicy, slightly bitter flavor pairs well with almost any vegetable preparation. And just as easy to grow as chives, oregano is another go-to for the first-time gardener.
How to Plant Oregano
Oregano is one of those Mediterranean herbs that grow well in full sun, planted in lean-to-average soil that is well-drained. Climate, soil, and moisture can all cause variation in the oregano’s flavor, and rich soil tends to dilute the pungency of the flavor. This is a good plant for those sunny areas of your yard with poor soil that isn’t very suitable for other plants.
Few pests bother oregano, but keep an eye out for spider mites and aphids. Wet soils can cause root rot.
Light
Most oregano varieties need full sun, however, the golden oregano variety does best in part shade, as its leaves tend to scorch in full sun.
Soil
Sandy loam is best suited for oregano. If planting in pots, use any well-draining, general-purpose potting soil, possibly blended with some extra sand, perlite, or vermiculite.
Water
Do not overwater oregano. Water thoroughly only after the soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilizer
Many herbs are considered weeds and most are not particular about the soil in which they grow. Oregano is no exception—it will grow in soil that is only moderately fertile. Do not add compost or fertilizer to its growing area. Large amounts of nutrients, such as nitrogen, can change the flavor of this herb.
5 Reasons For Growing Oregano At Home
1. OREGANO REPELS GARDEN PESTS
Oregano does a great job of repelling common garden pests such as cabbage moth caterpillars, mosquitos, and cucumber beetles.
You can further protect oregano from common pests by planting them next to chives, garlic, or onions.
2. OREGANO ATTRACTS POLLINATORS
Oregano attracts beneficial insects to your garden. Honeybees, in particular, are big fans of oregano — and who doesn’t want a garden full of happy honeybees? Oregano repels pests as it attracts insects like lacewings, which can help you keep the nasty pests away from your plants.
3. OREGANO IS DROUGHT TOLERANT
Oregano isn’t only tolerant of drought, it thrives in drought-like conditions. Native to the Mediterranean region, oregano comfortably grows in rocky, dry soil in an arid climate.
Oregano is a truly resilient plant and will grow into a robust shrub with very little attention; its main needs are direct sunlight and well-draining soil (no fertilizer needed).
4. OREGANO FIGHTS BACTERIA
Oregano is probably best known medicinally when made into oregano oil. This is basically just an infused herbal oil made with fresh oregano that is great to use as an all around immune booster.
5. OREGANO IS GOOD FOR DIGESTION
Because oregano contains abundant amounts of both carvacrol and thymol, a potent antifungal compound also found in thyme, it has been used for thousands of years to aid digestive health.