Oregano plant growing in clay pot

Once you’ve selected the varieties of oregano you want to cultivate, it’s time to consider the best approach for planting and nurturing your oregano plants.

Growing indoors

Oregano, like basil, can be successfully grown indoors throughout the year, provided you can provide the right conditions in terms of sunlight and temperature. Look for a sunny windowsill, or if you have one, consider a greenhouse.

Indoor cultivation can also serve as a starting point for your oregano plants, allowing you to start them about six weeks before transplanting them outdoors. Remember to transfer them to open land or containers once the risk of frost has passed and the temperatures consistently reach above 70 degrees F.

Growing oregano in open land or raised beds

Oregano, depending on the variety, can grow up to 24 inches in height. To ensure optimal growth, ensure that you space your oregano plants about 12 to 16 inches apart, especially for the more robust, bushy types.

Oregano is an excellent companion plant for your garden, indoors or outdoors, thanks to its natural insect-repelling properties. Some gardeners find that growing oregano alongside other plants like basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram helps deter pests and promotes the overall health of your garden.

Creating raised beds for your oregano garden may require initial effort, but it grants you greater control over the growing environment. Managing tasks like watering, irrigation, weeding, and harvesting becomes easier when your herbs are in raised beds, closer to your reach, and contained in a more manageable space. Plus, decorative oregano in raised beds can enhance the aesthetics of your garden while providing a culinary harvest!

Growing oregano in containers or pots

For those with limited outdoor space, such as apartment dwellers or those lacking garden land, container gardening is an ideal option for growing oregano. Balconies, porches, patios, and decks can all serve as the perfect setting for your oregano pots.

One advantage of container gardening for oregano is the ease of moving your plants to optimize their exposure to sunlight and control their access to shade. If you find pots too heavy to relocate, consider placing them on raised rolling casters for added mobility.

Container gardening is a common choice for patio oregano, provided you maintain proper watering and drainage. Keep a watchful eye on moisture levels, as container-grown oregano can dry out more rapidly, making it susceptible to root rot when over-watered.

With your potted oregano plants nearby, you can conveniently harvest fresh leaves right before using them in your recipes, ensuring peak flavor. Remember, even a short delay in using freshly harvested oregano can diminish its vibrant taste.

How do you prefer to cultivate your oregano—indoors, in open land, in raised beds, or in containers? Share your gardening tips and tricks for creating a thriving oregano garden!