The plant grows best in light, well-draining soil with a pH of 4.5–8.7. The flavors are slightly different, but the means to grow them are quite similar. And don’t worry if you think you’ve cut back your oregano too much — regular trimming encourages new growth and prevents “legginess.”. They can be hard to remove as small bits of roots left behind can grow into full plants. Spreading Greek oregano is hardy and needs little care once established. Table of Contents. Oregano stems are ready for storing when the … In milder climates (zone 8 and southward), oregano is evergreen. Once established, you only need to turn your attention to your Greek oregano a few times a year. These i When symptoms such as blisters, tingling, itching, inflammation, and burning … When the plants are quite young, begin pinching them back to within 2 inches (5 cm.) Greek oregano sprawls beautifully in hot, sunny locations. Oregano oil is a valuable component in the treatment of Candida albicans. Since the herb is naturally tall, there are steps to take to create groundcover oregano. If left to its own devices, the plant will send up tall flower shoots with purple blooms that are very attractive to bees. Eureka! The stems can also grow up to 2 feet high and will often lay down on the ground, particularly when the plant is young or in the shade. 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). 2.1 Oregano oil can be used to help with all sorts of bacterial, fungal, and viral conditions. These droplets can be breathed in by people and easily get infected with the virus. ; 1.2 Here are just a few studies which show carvacrol’s antibacterial capabilities:; 2 Oregano Oil Uses. You can even mow it with the setting on the highest. Emily wrote a great breakdown of these two different herbs. On the other hand, oregano does make a fragrant, attractive, low-growing groundcover plant in garden beds, which is how I grow it. Its pungent, spicy, slightly bitter flavor pairs well with almost any vegetable preparation. Greek Oregano Info – How To Grow Greek Oregano Plants, Types Of Oregano – Are There Different Varieties Of Oregano Herbs, Cuban Oregano Uses – How To Grow Cuban Oregano In The Garden, Regional To-Do List: December Gardening In The Northeast, Holiday Garden Baskets: How To Make Christmas Hanging Baskets, Planting A Giving Garden: Food Bank Garden Ideas, What Is A Reticulated Iris – Tips For Growing Reticulated Iris Flowers, Growing Oregano From Cuttings – Learn About Rooting Oregano Plants, Mother’s Day Flower Ideas – Beautiful Flowers To Get For Mom, What Is A Mother’s Day Garden: Planting A Garden Of Mother’s Day Flowers, Recipes From The Garden: Pressure Cooking Root Vegetables, Gratitude For The Garden – Being Grateful For Each Growing Season, 7 Reasons To Do Your Garden Shopping Locally, Thankful Beyond Words – What Represents Gratefulness In My Garden. But most people are not aware of the fact that this herb was originally used as a medicine. Otherwise, either clip as needed or, as I do, trim your oregano plants all at once and turn on the dehydrator. Oregano is the source of one of the most potent antifungals in nature. It is native to temperate Western and Southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region.. Oregano is a perennial herb, growing from 20–80 cm (7.9–31.5 in) tall, with opposite leaves 1–4 cm (0.39–1.57 in) long. Allow oregano plants to grow to about 4 inches tall and then pinch or trim lightly to encourage a denser and bushier plant. Put the plant material in an old pillowcase. Like chives, which we highlighted last week, oregano is another low-maintenance herb, and it performs well both in the garden or indoors, when given the right conditions. In general, dried common oregano sold in the grocery stores is actually a mixture of different varieties of oregano combined with marjoram and thyme. Flavor and aroma: Oregano has a hot peppery flavor. Basic requirements Oregano is a temperate or subtropical plant and will grow best in ample sunlight but can also be grown in partial shade. Jayme is an aspiring wine-maker and Certified Sommelier, and when away from the restaurant, she can be found in the garden or the kitchen. The Roman’s next adopted oregano because they enjoyed the taste and how easy is was to cultivate. Oregano oil can be used to eliminate the symptoms of genital herpes, which may be spread despite the use of condoms. Oregano in the Kitchen. The leaf is used to make medicine. But it can also be made into a more concentrated herbal supplement, often called oregano oil. Add oregano to eggs, cheeses, mushrooms, black beans, zucchini, potatoes, and eggplant. Oregano is a must-have in a culinary garden. Its pungent, spicy, slightly bitter flavor pairs well with almost any vegetable preparation. The plants will grow 1 to 2 feet tall and spread about 18 inches. To dry leaves, tie small handfuls of stems together with twine, and hang the bunches in a warm, dry, airy spot. Sometimes I add it to the compost heap and sometimes it just goes on the grass where it will regularly be mowed if it has the audacity to try to grow. Using Greek oregano as groundcover is a lazy gardener’s quick and easy way of covering a trouble spot in the landscape. If you won’t be drying your oregano by the bunch, and you only need the leaves, simply grab the stem about 2/3 down the length of the plant and run your fingers along the stem. If you’re limited on space, read this post on creating a small-space kitchen herb garden. Oregano is an aggressive plant that likes to spread and a bush of oregano can grow quite large if you allow it. What People Want from a Healer in the Midst of a Pandemic, A Middle School Math Teacher Planning Lessons and Lunch, The Columbus, OH-based Forager Who's Become a TikTok Star, A Food Justice Advocate and Mother Talks Breastfeeding and Herb Gardens, Bryant Terry's Sautéed Cabbage and Roasted Potatoes, Vivian Howard's Baked Pimento Cheese and Sausage. Sign up for our newsletter. Oregano is an aromatic herb used in many Italian dishes. Emily wrote a great breakdown of these two different herbs. Alternatively spread out a single layer of stems on a screen to dry. Overtime, plants will meld together into a Greek oregano groundcover. For these two reasons, it is best to give your oregano plants plenty of room in the garden. And just as easy to grow as chives, oregano is another go-to for the first-time gardener. For Treating Menstrual Cramps: Pain-relieving properties of oregano make it perfect for women who … Although oregano thrives in a warm climate, it is a hardy perennial that returns year after year, without much work. For centuries, oil derived from this herb has been used for medicinal purposes. It does well with an annual application of two inches of compost. Oregano works well with most Mediterranean fare -- from fish to chicken to risotto to vegetables. Perennial or annual? ; Oregano vulgare (common oregano, wild marjoram, pot marjoram): Marjoram is a type of oregano with a less pungent, sweeter taste, often used in French and English cooking. A couple of my oregano plants are almost 10 years old, and they have withstood many a snowstorm and still continue to produce healthy, vibrantly colored leaves. May Help Reduce Viral Infection. It does not spread as vigorously as common oregano and used to flavor tomato sauces, pizzas, meat, and fish recipes. 1 How Does Oregano Oil Work as a Natural Antibiotic?. Oregano oil should not replace conventional medical treatment. There are also oregano essential oils which have a much stronger concentration of the oregano plant than the herbal supplement. Ornamental oregano is a perennial and will create a larger colony over time. You could also pull all the oregano leaves off the stem before drying, spread them across a baking sheet, and let them dry. Oregano leaves retain a strong flavor dried and frozen. The main difference is that Mediterranean oregano is a member of the mint family, and Mexican oregano is a relative of lemon verbena. → Tip: Want to know the easiest way to harvest oregano? Care. Initial ornamental oregano care should feature regular watering with moderately moist soil but after the plant is established, it prefers a slightly dry environment. The herb may be just the tough groundcover you have been seeking. Small plants in containers can be moved indoors for the winter. Oregano (Origanum vulgare), which is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 4 through 8, is a tasty herb, and it's recommended as a folk remedy for illnesses such as diabetes and spasms, although little evidence exists to support these recommendations.Some gardeners plant oregano in the garden to repel pests such as mosquitoes, and others claim the essential oil is a mosquito repellent. If you care for them properly, then the Mexican oregano plant can live about 10 years long. I tend to let mine grow to about eight inches tall, and then I cut back up to 2/3 of the plant. Oregano essential oil is made from the leaves of the oregano plant. Incorporate bone meal and powdered phosphate at a ratio of 2:1. Oregano makes a good companion plant for any vegetable in the garden. To me a weed is any plant where I don't want it. Greek oregano sprawls beautifully in hot, sunny locations. The plant has dainty leaves and sends out numerous stems which can be kept sheared or mown to 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm.) In zone 7 and northward, protect plants with mulch through the winter, or cover them with a cold frame. Oregano is a plant. 1. Mint, oregano, pennyroyal and even thyme will spread through underground runners and can quickly take over the garden. 1.1 Oregano oil’s main active ingredients are believed to be thymol and carvacrol. The herb may be just the tough groundcover you have been seeking. The top 5 national antibiotics are onions, garlic, oregano oil, Manuka honey and Echinacea. The word “oregano” comes from the Greek words oros, for “mountain,” and ganos, for “joy” meaning “ joy of the mountains”. Oregano is proven to have antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral effects; as suggested by various studies.. A 2010 study shows that oregano is effective against upper respiratory tract infections (URI) as it noted an improvement in sore throat, hoarseness, and cough in the participants. It is even drought tolerant upon establishment. The root system is sprawling and wide ranging. ... Drizzle a little over roasted veggies or spread it on toast. without intervention. ... How does the COVID-19 virus spread? In addition to fighting off bacteria, some test-tube … After a couple of weeks, only water when the soil feels dry several inches (about 8 cm.) Oregano does not need regular doses of fertilizer. Prepare a bed by tilling deeply and removing rocks and other debris. If you want a groundcover that cares for itself, looks lovely, blooms, attracts insects, helps prevent weeds, thrives in sunny and dry locations, and conserves moisture, then look no further than an oregano groundcover. Once dried, seal tightly and store away from sunlight. Harvesting oregano couldn’t be simpler. Greek Oregano (Origanum vulgare var. Their love of the herb helped spread its use all throughout Europe and Northern Africa. How to Propagate Oregano. Oregano contains chemicals that might help reduce cough and spasms. . A Greek oregano plant cover will provide that unique experience and transport you to some of the most romantic cities in the world aromatically. For established plants, plant them at the same depth as the nursery pots and water in well. Even though oregano is a well-known herb found in many kitchens… Oregano is a must-have in a culinary garden. I think the Greeks got it right when they described oregano as “joy of the mountain.” This aromatic, ancient culinary herb, also referred to as “wild marjoram,” originates from the hilly, Greek countryside, and is now grown all over the world. More on what to do with your oregano when we discuss the best way to preserve your harvest in tomorrow’s post. Apartment Therapy is full of ideas for creating a warm, beautiful, healthy home. By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. She blogs at Holly & Flora, where she writes about cultivating, cocktailing, and creating, from garden to glass. You may already know that oregano is an Italian herb commonly used in cooking. In the growing season, the plant grows up to 5 feet in height as well as spread. The COVID-19 virus primarily spreads from person to person and through small droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. It is even drought tolerant upon establishment. The journal Molecules reported that the essential oil of oregano helps to kill off certain toxic agents that can affect cell DNA. Use oregano to flavor roasted and stewed beef, pork, and poultry. In cooler regions, grow your oregano in a container and move it indoors when freezes are expected. Like with many essential oils, compounds in oregano essential oil may help to inhibit the development and spread of certain cancers. Do you want to smell Greek or Italian food every time you walk a certain area of the garden? Oregano is a familiar herb that is easy to find. Earlier in Central American countries, this plant is used as medicine to treat stomach aches, asthma, bronchitis, and stress. from the ground. Oregano is not a thirsty plant, and it absolutely needs well-drained soil. Oregano is not nearly as invasive as mint, but it will spread. tall, although the plant can get up to 24 inches (61 cm.) I think the Greeks got it right when they described oregano as “joy of the mountain.” This aromatic, ancient culinary herb, also referred to as “wild marjoram,” originates from the hilly, Greek countryside, and is now grown all over the world. You can direct sow outdoors in summer by sprinkling seed on the surface of the soil and dusting sand over lightly. Some forms of this herb happen to be particularly potent, so consider the following dos and don’ts of using it to get the best results. Got a tip, kitchen tour, or other story our readers should see? Caring For Your Oregano Watering. You may harvest oregano once the stems are at least four inches tall. If soil does not drain well, add a liberal amount of sand until it is loose. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Oregano has a long history in Southern Europe and shows up in numerous savory dishes from that part of the world. Coronavirus COVID-19 spread to the US, Italy, Israel, Estonia, Japan, Korea, Iran, Thailand and other countries. Make sure the site is nearly to fully sunny all day. The leaves will collect in your hand, and then all you’ll have to do afterwards is trim the now-leafless stem. Who can use oil of oregano oil to protect and fight the symptoms of COVID 19. To obtain the optimum potency of flavor, harvest oregano leaves just before the plant flowers, if you can time it perfectly. Wait until the ground is dry before watering. Oregano has long since been a popular seasonal herb for various pizza and pasta dishes, as well as a powerful antioxidant. Older plants still yield delicious leaves, but their potency decreases once they reach three or four years in age. Put on a pair of gardening gloves and harvest about 4 to 5 cups of oregano leaves and stems. That is why I always plant mint in a container. This will force the plant to spread outward rather than upward. There are actually two main categories of oregano: Mediterranean and Mexican. Reference the photo above and cut just above the leaves. Spreading Greek oregano is hardy and needs little care once established. Even the subtly flavored flowers are great topped on salads. To maintain this water infrequently and shear off the vertical growth once or twice during the growing season. Oregano spreads easily; in late spring, cut it back to one-third of its size in order to make the plant bushier. Plan to give about an inch a week during dry spells. In America, it is the flavor that many associate with pizza and pasta sauces. This condition if not treated on time can further spread to intestines that could lead to acute illness and autoimmune diseases. down. If you follow these steps, the oregano should show signs of recovery in about 3 weeks, however severely affected oregano where all the leaves are discoloured can be difficult to save, in which case I recommend burning the plant or throwing it away so that the fungus disease does not spread … Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. As an added bonus, groundcover oregano smells delightful when crushed or walked on. Leaves: Use leaves to flavor tomato sauces, marinated vegetables, roasted peppers, pasta, pizza, and spaghetti. The stems are semi-woody, and the small leaves are green and lightly fuzzy. It not only is suitable for growing in containers, but it can also be preferred to keep the spread contained. Sometimes I relocate a weed and it becomes a good plant. Fertilizer. hirtum): Sometimes called as true oregano, it is an essential part of many common Greek and Italian dishes because of its pungent and earthy flavor. Oregano oil has various healing properties that … Oregano heracleoticum (Greek oregano): The variety usually used in Mediterranean cooking, this is the type most people associate with oregano flavor.Oregano onites is also sometimes listed as Greek oregano. Oregano will tolerate some cold but will grow best when the annual temperature does … Find more gardening information on gardening know How: Keep up to date all. Cities in the landscape oil Work as a Natural Antibiotic? will spread water infrequently shear... 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