Herbs – Oregano
If you know someone who gardens and cooks Italian food dishes, you are sure to find oregano growing in their herb garden. I have grown oregano for years as this perennial, which is native the Mediterranean region, is easy to care for. Besides being used fresh or dried in many different Italian food dishes, it also complements beef, salads, soups, and more.
Oregano’s name means “joy of the mountain”, perhaps because common oregano grows wild in the mountains of Greece. Although mainly used for culinary purposes today, centuries ago it was utilized for its medicinal purposes such as in the form of a poultice for scorpion and spider bites. Early American pioneers used a tea made from oregano leaves for treating coughs and asthma. When oregano was introduced to North America, it quickly escaped from pioneer gardens and became known in the Northeast as wild oregano.
Oregano grows to a height of one to two feet, depending on the variety. Its green leaves are oval and can be up to two inches long, and its flowers which appear from July through September, are a light purple or white. Oregano is hardy up to zone five, loves well-drained soil and full sun.
Oregano can be started from seeds, stem cuttings, mature root division, or purchased plants and should be planted in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. If planting from seeds, I suggest that you start these indoors a few weeks before transplanting outside to give them a good start. Oregano is also an excellent herb for container gardening. Fertilizer or organic compost is not needed for oregano and may even be detrimental to the herbs flavor.
Oregano can be harvested after it is about four to six inches tall and should be cut in mid-morning after the morning dew has dried. Thoroughly wash and dry the herb. Finely chop the leaves before cooking or store them whole in plastic bags in the freezer or refrigerator. If you prefer, dry the herb on a rack in a cool, dry place. After six weeks the herb should be completely dry and can be stored in air tight containers.
When the growing season is over and it is time to put your oregano to sleep for the winter months, cut it back to about four inches from the ground and cover with a layer of mulch. Your oregano will come back healthy and strong the next spring.