Growing oregano
Oregano is a plant that has been used in medicine and cooking for thousands of years. This is especially true around the Mediterranean where it originated. By growing oregano, you can have an unlimited supply of one of the most important spice plants. It’s worth knowing that oregano flowers attract butterflies, so you get extra life and colour where the plants grow.
Oregano – growing tips
Growing oregano is easy! This is true whether you intend to grow oregano in a pot or outside in the garden. If you want oregano in the garden, the herb can be pre-cultivated indoors in spring before planting it out. Here are some general tips on how to grow oregano and make it thrive:
- Oregano appreciates full sunlight, preferably grow in a south-facing position.
- Make the soil loose before planting and mix in compost or manure.
- Oregano plants can be planted at a distance of about 40 cm from each other.
- Water thoroughly after planting and then regularly if it is dry.
- Feel free to add some fertiliser from time to time during spring and summer.
For pre-cultivation, use ordinary seed soil in trays or pots and place in a warm spot. Keep the soil moist. When the plants have three leaves, it is time to plant them out.
When growing oregano indoors, it’s best to place the plant in direct sunlight by a window that gets plenty of sun. You can also use a plant lamp to supplement natural sunlight.
How to use oregano as a spice
Oregano can be harvested throughout the growing season. Pluck the outer leaves and new ones will appear. As a spice plant, oregano is very versatile. It’s perfect on pizza, in tomato sauce, stews and on meat. Fresh oregano can also be used in a salad. Feel free to combine oregano with other herbs, such as thyme and basil.
Drying oregano
If you are successful in growing oregano, you will probably get a larger amount of leaves than you use fresh. Then drying oregano is a good option. Drying oregano can also bring out other flavours. In general, dried oregano is more concentrated in flavour than fresh oregano. Dried herbs from your own garden are also a perfect gift.
Start with fresh leaves without discolouration. There are two ways to go about drying oregano. Air drying or drying in the oven. Whichever method you choose, start by rinsing the leaves and wiping off the water with paper or a towel. When air-drying, you then tie the oregano into small bunches and hang them in a dry, well-ventilated place indoors. It takes two to three weeks for the leaves to dry. Then you can scrape them from the stems and store them in an airtight container.
Drying oregano in the oven is quicker. Here’s how you can do it:
- Spread the leaves out on a baking tray with baking paper.
- Set the oven to 50 degrees.
- Wait until they are completely dry, this will take one to two hours.
- Allow the leaves to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Air-drying is preferable, if you have the option. It preserves aromas and nutrients better than when you quick-dry oregano in the oven.
Author: Johanna Damm
Fact-checked by Erik Hoekstra
Last updated 2022-12-28