In the Herb Garden: Grow Oregano

Oregano is one of the first herbs to awaken in the spring garden and show some green. Pull back winter mulch as soon as tiny leaves appear, but keep it handy in case a late freeze comes up.

Oregano is an easy herb to grow from seed. It prefers full sun, and once it is established, it will tolerate dry conditions. Oregano plants spread like crazy if left to ramble. Keeping the leaves and stems trimmed for culinary use will help keep the plants in check. A quick swipe with a hoe around the perimeter of the plant will trim spreading roots.

Plant oregano in full sun in rich soil. Oregano seed is black and very tiny, about the size of ground pepper. Start it indoors or outdoors. Indoors, scatter some seed over the soil surface in a small starter pot. Gently press it into the soil, barely covering it. Mist the soil, and cover it with clear plastic until the seeds germinate. Outdoors, it is a good idea to protect the seeded area with a clear plastic cover of some type until the tiny seeds germinate, usually in 7 to 14 days. The tiny seeds can easily be washed away by even a gentle spring shower. A clear plastic lettuce container from the grocery is a perfect cover; invert one over the seeded area. You'll have to watch closely to see the early plants, they are so tiny.

As an alternative to planting seeds, mature oregano plants can be divided any time during the growing season. Transplant oregano at the same depth it was previously growing. Oregano also spreads when stems fall over onto the ground and root, providing another method of propagating new plants.

Harvest oregano before it flowers. Cut the plant back to 5 or 6 inches tall, and wash the cuttings. Dehydrate them in a food dehydrator, or tie the stems together in bundles and hang them upside down in an out-of-the-way place until they are crispy dry. Herbs retain more color as they dry if they are hung out of direct light.

Use oregano fresh or dried in soups, stews, and especially in Italian cooking. Add garlic, onion, oregano and herbs of your choice to tomatoes, and process your own spaghetti sauce in the canner.