How to Grow Oregano – Beginner Gardening Wednesday
Would you like to start an herb garden?
Gardening is one of those things that if you’ve never done it, it may seem intimating. That is why we created Beginner Gardening Wednesdays. This Wednesday, we are sharing about an easy-to-grow herb – oregano.
Beginner Gardening Wednesday is our weekly series that targets anything that is easy to grow. This series seeks to make gardening less intimating and available to all.
Oregano is known scientifically as Origanum vulgare and is called wild marjoram in many parts of Europe. According to The World’s Healthiest Foods, the meaning of the name oregano is “mountain joy”. Two teaspoons of dried oregano is rich in vitamin K and also contains manganese, iron and calcium.
There are two interesting bits of history about this delicious herb. The first is that laurels of oregano were traditionally used as crowns for ancient Greek and Roman brides. The second is that it wasn’t until the early 20th century that oregano was introduced to kitchens in the United States. It was the soldiers who brought the news of this fragrant herb back with them from their tours in Italy.
How to Grow Oregano
This herb is a perennial in Mediterranean climates, meaning that you may not need to replant it, but they grow as annuals in the harsher climates in North America. It is a perfect addition to almost any dish. Let’s take a look on how to grow our very own oregano.
- Soil: According to Organic Gardening, oregano is an easy-to-grow perennial. It can tolerate a range of different soil types providing the soil is well drained.
- Light Exposure: This herb loves the sun. We are talking about 6 hours of sunlight a day. Depending on where you live, you might consider waiting to plant the herb until you know the weather is going to remain warm.
- Water: Another great aspect of oregano is that it is drought-resistant. While you want to keep the soil moist, be careful not to over water.
- Fertilizer: Oregano doesn’t need anything too special in the fertilizer department. You can use liquid fertilizer or even mulch.
- Harvest: At this step, you know you’ve made it and it’s time to enjoy your reward. It’s time to harvest when your herb has grown 8 inches tall. The delectable herb can be enjoyed fresh or dried.
Oregano isn’t the only herb that is easy to grow either. If you love the idea of growing your own herb garden, we have a few articles you may want to check out. In our article, 7 Must Grow Herbs for Beginner Gardeners, we review how to grow mint, parsley, basil and so many more.
Summary
Oregano is an easy-to-grow delectable herb with a rich history. It is filled with vitamins and can be enjoyed fresh or dried. It is the perfect addition to anyone’s herb garden and a great choice for beginner gardeners. Have you ever tried growing oregano?
