Growing Oregano in Containers the Easy Way
When most people think of oregano, they probably think of the dried herb that is commonly used in Italian and Greek cuisine. But did you know that oregano is a perennial plant that can be grown in your garden or containers? Oregano is easy to grow and can thrive in both sunny or shady locations. In this blog post, we will show you how to grow oregano in containers the easy way. So whether you are a beginner gardener or an experienced green thumb, read on for tips on how to grow oregano like a pro!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Why Grow Oregano
Oregano is a Mediterranean herb that is most commonly used in Italian and Greek cuisine. The dried leaves of the oregano plant have a strong, pungent flavor that is perfect for adding depth of flavor to sauces, stews, and meat dishes. But oregano is not just for cooking! This hardy herb can also be used for medicinal purposes. Oregano has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a great herb to have on hand for when you are feeling under the weather.
Is Oregano Easy to Grow?
If you are growing oregano indoors, make sure to place your pot in a sunny location. Oregano likes warm weather and plenty of sunlight, so a south-facing window is ideal. If you don’t have a south-facing window, you can also use grow lights to give your oregano the light it needs to thrive.
If you are growing oregano outdoors, make sure to plant it in a sunny location. Oregano likes warm weather and plenty of sunlight, so a south-facing location is ideal. If you live in a colder climate, you can also grow oregano in containers and move them indoors during the winter months.
How to Plant Oregano
When– You can also grow oregano from seed — by dividing, or from a cutting taken from a healthy, established plant. If planting from seed, plant seeds outdoors about six weeks before the last frost. If you’re planting a cutting or transplanting a seedling or small plant, make sure the ground temperature is at least 70°F.
Where– Oregano is one of those plants that looks beautiful planted within garden landscaping or along a path. In fact, it’s a “garden anchor” that comes back every spring, providing height and dimension within the garden. Oregano also grows well in containers, so if you live in a high-rise apartment or have a limited growing space, it’s a great option. Oregano also performs well indoors, when given enough light and warmth.
Tips & Tricks– When growing oregano, it is important to keep the soil moist but not wet. Oregano can tolerate some drought, but it will do best if you water it regularly. You can also fertilize your oregano plants with a balanced organic fertilizer every few weeks.
If you are growing oregano in containers, make sure to use a soil that is well-drained. Oregano does not like wet feet, so be sure to use a pot with drainage holes. You can also add some sand or perlite to the soil to help improve drainage.
How to Grow Oregano
Soil- Plant oregano in light, well-drained soil. Oregano actually grows better in moderately fertile soil, so no fertilization or addition of compost is necessary. Let your oregano do what it does on its own — just know it can be difficult to keep up with the harvest!
Sun- Oregano performs well in part to full sun, but the flavors intensify when it receives a full day of sunshine. Oregano will also grow well indoors, but it’s important that the plant receives adequate heat and sunshine.
Water- Don’t over-water oregano. Water thoroughly, only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Spacing- Plant oregano eight to 10 inches apart in your garden. Oregano grows up to two feet tall and spans about 18 inches across. If you’re planting oregano in a container, be sure the pot is about 12 inches in diameter, as oregano is a prolific grower.
Companion planting- Oregano is a great companion plant to almost anything, so don’t worry about planting it next to something it won’t get along with. Try planting oregano alongside tomatoes and peppers. Oregano keeps away a tomato’s archenemy — aphids — by means of predation. Aphids actually love oregano, but oregano attracts syrphidae (flower flies), which dine upon the small bugs. Peppers are another good companion option; oregano’s thick foliage provides humidity and supports pepper growth.
Does Oregano come back every year?
Although oregano thrives in a warm climate, it’s a hardy perennial that returns year after year — and without much work! Oregano has the ability to even withstand snowstorms and still continue to produce healthy, vibrantly colored leaves.
How to Harvest Oregano
When harvesting oregano, do not harvest all of the leaves from the plant at once. This will weaken the plant and may reduce its yield the following year. Instead, harvest only a few leaves from each plant at a time. You can also strip the leaves off of the stem (instead of cutting them off with scissors) to allow the plant to keep growing.
Check out some of our favorite recipes that call for Oregano
- Low Carb Marinara Sauce
- Pizza Sauce
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about growing oregano. It’s a fairly easy herb to grow, but make sure to give it plenty of sunlight and water. And be sure to harvest it at the right time so you can enjoy its delicious flavor all winter long. Have you grown oregano before? What tips would you add?
If you are looking for Oregano seeds or plants check out Burpee.
