Grow Great Oregano in Your Home Garden

The earliest uses of oregano were mostly medicinal. The Greeks used dressings made from oregano leaves on sores and aching muscles. And, Romans used it for scorpion and spider bites. Doctors in North America used it to help ease toothaches, after it was introduced by Eorupean colonists. We use it today in many recipes. It is also used as a natural remedy. As with any herb or vegetable, it is best when you grow it at home. Here are some tips to help you grow oregano in your home garden.

Oregano is also known as wild marjoram. There are many varieties of oregano. The flavor will vary between varieties, so it can be a good idea to grow several. Then you can find the ones you prefer. Oregano is a perennial herb, but it is sometimes grown as an annual. It will grow to about 2 feet tall. It is hardy in temperature Zones 5 to 9.

Oregano prefers to grow in full sun. The soil should be well drained and rich. Plants are usually the best way to start. If you start with seeds, the taste will vary within the same variety. The plants should be spaced about 1 to 2 feet apart. Oregano does very well on a well drained hillside. Do not mulch around this herb, it likes plenty of air circulating around the stems. This will also help prevent many diseases. Every 3 years, the plants should be divided. If you want to encourage bushiness, pinch the plants back a couple times a year. To keep new leaves appearing, the flower buds should be removed from the plants.

As long as the plant is growing well, the leaves can be harvested all season long. About 2 weeks before the first frost is expected in your area, stop harvesting. The entire plants can be dried and then stored for winter use.

Oregano enhances many types of food with the hot, peppery flavor. You can use it in omelets, frittatas, and quiches. It is especially delicious in pizza sauce. Oregano can also be used with eggplant, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, zucchini, roasted bell peppers, marinated vegetables, beef, pork, poultry and yeast breads. The flavor of this herb combines very well with garlic, parsley, thyme, and olive oil.

Oregano is a wonderful herb to grow in your home garden. It has so many culinary uses and a few medicinal ones, as well. Hopefully, these tips will help you grow an abundant crop of oregano in your home garden for you and your family to enjoy.