Oregano is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family and tastes great with grilled vegetables, in tomato dishes and sauces, with cheeses and on pizza. Aside from tasting great it also looks good in the garden and attracts beneficial insects and bees to your garden when it flowers. Plus, it’s easy to dry for future use!
Planting Calendar
Sow oregano seed in spring, however the mature plants can be planted all year round.
Harvest In
45 Days
Use a pair of small scissors when harvesting oregano. Never harvest more than one third of the plant at a time, and give it time to regrow before harvesting further.
Prepare
Position
Oregano plants are happiest in full sun, the more sun the better with at least 6 hours. Oregano can be planted in the ground and also grows well in a pot.
Soil
When planted into the ground Oregano likes a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
Plant oregano approximately 30cm apart from each other. When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and Kings Natures Organic Fertiliser, then mix together well. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and will help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant in Kings Containers mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
Care
Watering
Oregano can take short periods of dryness, but aim to keep the soil moist. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. If planted in pots never allow the pot to sit in water.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. In addition apply an application of Kings Natures Fertiliser at 8 weekly intervals. If planted into a containers feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster this encourages strong roots and a healthy immune system.
Spraying
Mites and Aphids at times can be an issue, spray with Bugtrol if required.
Pruning
If not picking your Oregano it is best to cut it back every now and then to encourage new fresh growth. Only ever take one third off the plant at a time.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Beginner Tip
Oregano flowers will encourage bees into your garden in summer. Oregano will stretch tail just before it is going to flower.
Expert Tip
The flavour of Oregano is at its best in midsummer just before flowering, this is the perfect time to pick for drying.
