One of the best ways to concentrate all that healing goodness is by making an oregano oil infusion. Oregano is an herb that’s commonly used in cooking, especially in Mediterranean and Italian dishes. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. October 13, 2020 by Matt Gardener Oregano plants serve a lot of purposes and the majority of its uses include seasoning Italian dishes and spaghetti as well as other herbal benefits. Small flowers appear in summer, which draw pollinators. It grows really well in a dry warm or cooler climate. Here's why we love it and how to incorporate it into your cooking. Use fresh or dried oregano for flavorful breads to go alongside many meals. Above: Younger sections of my plant hadn’t flowered yet; here is the more traditional look of oregano as an herb, sans flowers. True oregano (Origanum vulgare) produces foliage for use as a culinary herb. Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. Pruning an Overgrown Oregano Plant: They’ll think your life is trí¨s charmant.). Soil temperature should be around 70°F before you plant. If you have heavy clay like I do, then you can plant your herbs in a raised bed. A handful of plants will provide … Similar to other plants, cats are unable to digest these materials due to the lack of glucuronyl transferase digestive enzymes, which are found in the liver. We have a Lot of oregano plant in our garden for medication and to avoid mosquito and we have a sick cat, my mom feed our cat a boild oregano, as she think that it was safe as it was medication for human, and we don’t know that it was toxic. Dried oregano has a slightly stronger flavor, so you need less dried herb than you do fresh. As a novice gardener, I didn’t even really mean to grow oregano–I planted it as an afterthought–and I have no idea what to do with it. Prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. As a herb, supplement, or essential oil, it may offer many health benefits. Herbs are delightfully scented plants with leaves you can use fresh or dried for cooking. I am on the lookout for other oregano ideas. In the garden, use this oregano as an edging plant. Sourcebook for Cultivated Living, sister site to @remodelista It prefers a pH between 6.0-8.0. Above: Leave the oregano alone until dry to the touch; in my case, this took three or four days. I’d love to hear your suggestions about what pairs well with the easy-growing herb. Thank you for this! An important herb in Italian, Greek and Mexican cooking, oregano is often used dried rather than fresh in strongly flavoured dishes in which ingredients such as chilli, garlic, tomatoes, onions, olives and wine predominate. As the amount of watering depends on many variables, just water when the soil feels dry to the touch. Receive the Gardenista newsletter in your inbox daily. Oregano leaves are oval, dark green and in opposite pairs. Oregano contains phenols and terpenoids, which are undigestible to cats. I love oregano! Trimming Your Oregano Plant For Winter. The plant likes a lot of sun and can be grown in a pot or in the ground. Very timely, as I have three thriving oregano plants in my herb garden. It’s a crime to complain about late summer abundances, but really, what do I do with all this oregano? Alternatively, use silicone molds for individual serving sizes. Soups, stews, stuffings, sausage and pork. Do pair it with the right herbs and spices. What do you use oregano for, fresh or dried? Oregano grows up to two feet tall and spans about 18 inches across. Be sure to keep oregano on hand for winter meals by hanging it to dry. Save to My scrapbook Oregano doesn’t need to be fertilized either, as these hardy plants can typically take care of themselves. Plants will … Watching and listening to the sound of the bees on the oregano flowers is honestly a relaxing and fun afternoon activity. Oregano grows equally well in the ground or in a container garden. Wood Fired Pizza in Your Own Backyard : A Review of the Backyard Bread & Pizza Oven Ebook, Affiliate Disclosure & General Disclaimers, traditionally been used to relieve headaches. :), Copyright © 2020 Homespun Seasonal Living | The Wisteria on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. I'm seeding herbs this week, including Oregano. My basil is gone as fast as I can grow it, my mint is destined to become one last (giant) batch of mojitos for an upcoming party, and I’ve already found the world’s most brilliant use for rosemary. I never tire of the late-summer megacrop, zucchini (I could eat chocolate chip cookies flecked with zucchini any day). Oregano has traditionally been used to relieve headaches. How to grow oregano in a garden. Best location: Plant oregano in full sun; it will tolerate light shade. Find out how to use oregano, and who should avoid it. The plant 'thinks' it must produce seeds for whatever reason, and after the flowers come, the plant will stop growing. September 4, 2019 at 2:15 pm. Once you know how to grow Cuban oregano, try this lively little plant in containers, a well-drained, partially sunny area of the garden or in trailing baskets. Oregano (US: / ɔː ˈ r ɛ ɡ ə n oʊ, ə-/, UK: / ˌ ɒr ɪ ˈ ɡ ɑː n oʊ /; Origanum vulgare) is a flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Bittner uses fresh oregano in bouquets with garden roses and other flowers, both for the look and the fragrance. However, when you first plant Oregano, you want to make sure all danger of frost has passed and the ground has warmed up. How to Harvest Oregano. Oregano is a hardy perennial plant that is easy to grow in the home garden. Plants should be grown in full, strong sun, although it will take partial shade, especially in extremely hot climates. Truly just add some fresh or dried oregano to your favorite bread recipe or give these a try: Compound butter is simply butter that has been mixed with herbs that can be used to slather on toast, rub on meats, mixed in with vegetables, and more. Leaves and flowering tops are infused for tea. I prune my mojito mint in the same way – out with the old and in with the new. Plant oregano in spring, once all chances of frost have passed. How to Plant Oregano. Mexican oregano shares similar flavors but belongs to a different family.) (So much, in fact, that I know what I’m bringing as hostess gifts for the next several months.). I see that I commented on this back when it was posted, but thanks for mentioning it in today's email--I needed the reminder, as after 3 years my oregano has taken over that corner of the garden! For the purest oregano flavor, cut the herb before it flowers. Plant near fruit trees to attract pollinators but also repel codling moth on apple trees. Oregano plants are vigorous growers and easy to divide. Oregano is rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that help fight damage from harmful free radicals in the body. Allow oregano plants to grow to about 4 inches tall and then pinch or trim lightly to encourage a denser and bushier plant. However, oregano goes well in/with: Tomato sauce, egg/cheese combinations, breads, vegetables (especially squash, eggplant, tomatoes, beans, mushrooms, capsicum), meats, fish, chicken, pizza, pastas, Greek salads and sauces. These mites can be treated with insecticidal soap, but it’s best to avoid the stress in the first place. Once the oregano has grown, you can reproduce it from the plant. That means it thrives with lower humidity and well-drained soil. The bees and other pollinators quite love it and it’s a great source of food late in the summer and early fall to help them get through the winter. Peas. She suggests trolling through recipes of Middle Eastern cooking; the herb features prominently in the cuisine. Oregano (US: / ɔː ˈ r ɛ ɡ ə n oʊ, ə-/, UK: / ˌ ɒr ɪ ˈ ɡ ɑː n oʊ /; Origanum vulgare) is a flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Simply tie bunches of the stalks together and hang out of direct sunlight until crispy. Oregano plants are vigorous growers and easy to divide. If there's something you want to use somewhere else either online or in print, e-mail me and we'll work it out. It also works well with other savory ingredients like garlic and olive oil. However, there are some important tips for growing the healthiest herbs possible. This perennial herb can be prolific in the home garden giving us plenty of ways to creative fresh oregano in season and saving it for later. If you live in a colder part of the world, you may want to start your plant indoors and transfer it outside when the weather warms up. I asked my cooking-reference-on-speed-dial (my mom), what she uses oregano for. Oregano comes from the same plant family as … Plant seeds about ¼ inch below the soil, and bury clippings about ½ inch below, removing the leaves at the buried end before covering it. Even the subtly flavored flowers are great topped on salads. Oregano is considered toxic due to the essential oils found inside of the plant. In addition, this herb is sometimes affected by mint rust. Plectranthus amboinicus is a perennial succulent with aromatic foliage. Oregano is a great companion plant for other herbs and vegetables as their fragrance repels bean and broccoli pests. It likes partial sun and maybe watered only once when the soil is dry. Make oregano tea by steeping 1 Tablespoon of fresh leaves (1 teaspoon dried) in 8 ounces of water for 5 minutes. Make a scouring powder with oregano to clean tubs, showers, and toilets. Trimming your oregano plant is done in the same procedure whether it’s grown in a pot or the ground. Because oregano is antibacterial and antifungal it makes a great addition to homemade cleaning products. She also hangs oregano bundles (like the pictured one above) in her chicken coop; the hens appreciate the treat, and it freshens the smell of the coop. Once established, oregano is a perennial that’s very cold hardy. You can link to this site as much as you want, but please don't use any content or photographs without my permission. It's unlikely that you'll need to add compost or … The most traditional and medicinal oil of oregano is made through a distillation process and I don't know how to do that. Another of my favorite plates using basil and oregano is the garlic baked salmon. Otherwise, either clip as needed or, as I do, trim your oregano plants all at once and turn on the dehydrator. Simply dig up an existing plant and cut it through the root ball into two or more sections, then replant the divisions in pots or a different area of your garden. I have several jars of the dried herb and still more fresh oregano to cut. Phacelia. The plant has tiny leaves that lend a pungent aroma and strong flavor to a variety of savory foods. If you are planting oregano in a container, be sure the pot is about 12 inches in diameter; oregano is a prolific grower. You can also brew oregano tea for drinking. Take care not to disturb the plant too much and work gently. It will flourish once planted alongside almost any other herb as long as they enjoy similar conditions. Oregano is used in Mexican tomato-based dishes and also flavors pozole, a Mexican hominy chowder. I prune my mojito mint in the same way – out with the old and in with the new. Substitute 1 teaspoon (1.8 g) of dried oregano in place of 1 tablespoon (1.6 g) of fresh oregano. Remodelista, Gardenista, 10 Easy Pieces, Steal This Look, 5 Quick Fixes, Design Sleuth, High/Low Design, Sourcebook for the Considered Home, and Sourcebook for Considered Living are ® registered trademarks of Remodelista, LLC. I do use quite a bit of oregano when I bake plum tomatoes stuffed with short-grain rice, lemon peel and oregano. Common oregano grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8 and Greek oregano is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. Growing oregano from cuttings is also an option, take cuttings from 3-5 inches long young stems of a healthy oregano plant. Substitute oregano for the bee balm in this oxymel recipe and use up some of that abundant oregano in a simple, healing remedy. Simply grind it with some garlic, salt, and oil to make it your own. Offer partial shade if … Oregano plants are a perennial plant that grows every year during its season without you having to replant them. 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