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Love Italian oregano?
Growing it is easier than you think!
In this article, we’ll share 6 simple tactics to help your oregano thrive. Fresh, homegrown flavor is just a few steps away.
Ready to get started?
Let’s grow together!
Choose the Right Spot
Pick a spot in your garden or home that gets plenty of sunlight. Italian oregano loves the sun, so aim for at least six hours of light per day.
If you have a sunny windowsill, that’ll work too! A well-draining area is crucial to avoid soggy roots, which your oregano won’t appreciate.
Planting Your Oregano
You can start with seeds or young plants from the nursery. If using seeds, sprinkle them on the soil surface and cover lightly with soil.
Keep the soil moist until they sprout. If you prefer young plants, dig a small hole and settle them in.
Make sure they’re about 12 inches apart to give each plant room to grow.
Water Wisely
Italian oregano doesn’t need a ton of water. It’s better to water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root growth.
Allow the soil to dry out a bit between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is bad news for your oregano.
Feed Your Plants
These herbs aren’t too fussy about fertilizers. A bit of organic compost mixed into the soil when you plant will do wonders.
You can also feed them with a balanced liquid fertilizer every now and then during the growing season, but don’t overdo it. Too much fertilizer can affect the flavor.
Pruning and Harvesting
Pruning your oregano helps keep it bushy and healthy. Regularly trim back the tips of the plant to encourage new growth.
When harvesting, cut the stems back to just above a pair of leaves. This will promote even more growth, so you’ll have fresh oregano all season long.
Protect from Pests
While Italian oregano is pretty hardy, it’s still good to keep an eye out for pests like aphids and spider mites. You can usually manage these with a simple insecticidal soap or by blasting them off with a strong jet of water from your hose.
Keeping your plants healthy is the best defense.