Oregano

What you'll need:

Oregano seeds or young plants (you can find these at most garden centers or online)

A pot (at least 8 inches wide with drainage holes) or a small patch of soil in your garden

Regular potting soil (if it’s too dense, mix in some sand to help with drainage)

• A sunny spot (oregano loves sunlight!)

When to start:

Oregano is a hardy plant and does well in both spring and fall. If you're starting from seeds, begin indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. If you're using young plants, wait until the weather is consistently warm (around 50°F/10°C) before planting them outside.

Choosing the right spot:

Oregano thrives in full sun, so pick a place where it will get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. If you’re growing it indoors, make sure it’s near a bright, sunny window.

If you have seeds:

1. Fill a small pot or seed tray with moist soil.
2. Sprinkle the oregano seeds on top of the soil—don’t bury them too deep; just lightly press them into the surface.
3. Water gently to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
4. Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot.
5. Seeds should sprout in about 1-2 weeks.

If you have young plants:

1. Dig a hole in your garden or pot that’s slightly larger than the root ball of the young plant.
2. Gently place the plant into the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
3. Cover the roots with soil and pat it down gently around the base of the plant.
4. Water thoroughly after planting.

Planting tips:

• If planting multiple oregano plants, space them about 8-10 inches apart to give them room to grow.
• If you’re using pots, one oregano plant per pot is enough—it doesn’t like to be crowded.

Watering:

• Oregano prefers drier conditions, so water sparingly. Let the soil dry out between waterings—stick your finger into the soil, and if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Overwatering is the biggest risk with oregano, so err on the side of caution.

Feeding:

• Oregano doesn’t need much fertilizer. If you want to give it a little boost, use a light dose of general-purpose fertilizer once or twice during the growing season—but don’t overdo it! Too much fertilizer can make the leaves less flavorful.

Sunlight and temperature:

• Oregano loves sunlight, so make sure it gets plenty of it—6-8 hours a day is ideal.
• It can handle some cold, but if temperatures drop below freezing, consider moving potted oregano indoors or covering outdoor plants with a blanket.

Pruning and harvesting:

• Regular pruning helps oregano grow bushier. Once the plant is about 6 inches tall, pinch off the top sets of leaves to encourage more branching.
• You can start harvesting leaves once the plant is established, usually after about 6-8 weeks of growth.

When to harvest:

• You can start picking oregano leaves whenever you need them, but the flavor is strongest just before the plant flowers.
• Morning is the best time to harvest, as the essential oils (which give oregano its flavor) are most concentrated then.

How to harvest:

• Use scissors or your fingers to snip off stems just above a leaf node (where the leaves meet the stem). This encourages new growth.
• Don’t take more than a third of the plant at once—this ensures it continues to thrive.

Storing oregano:

• Fresh oregano can be stored in the fridge for a few days, wrapped in a damp paper towel.
• For long-term storage, you can dry the leaves by hanging bunches upside down in a warm, dry place. Once dried, store them in an airtight container.

Q: My oregano leaves are turning yellow. What’s wrong?

A: Yellow leaves usually mean overwatering. Make sure the soil is drying out between waterings. Oregano likes it on the drier side!

Q: Can I grow oregano indoors?

A: Yes! Just make sure it gets plenty of sunlight—place it near a south-facing window if possible. You may need to supplement with a grow light if your home isn’t very sunny.

Q: Why is my oregano flowering? Should I stop it?

A: Flowering is natural, but once oregano flowers, the leaves can become bitter. To keep the leaves flavorful, pinch off the flower buds as soon as you see them.

Q: How do I prevent pests on my oregano?

A: Oregano is pretty pest-resistant, but occasionally aphids or spider mites can show up. A spray of water or a mild soap solution can help get rid of them without harming the plant.

Q: Can oregano survive winter?

A: In warmer climates, oregano can survive outdoors year-round. In colder areas, you can bring potted oregano inside or mulch heavily to protect outdoor plants from frost.