Oregano is an aromatic flowering woody perennial herb part of the mint family.  It is native to the Mediterranean region.  It now grows successfully across the Northern hemisphere. It is used as a culinary, and ornamental herb. Its aromatic leaves last months. 

HOW IS OREGANO USED

Oregano is used in sauces, and soups, marinara, pizzas, seafood.  Oregano has vitamins A, C, E, K.  It helps to fight infection, and it  is anti-inflammatory. Additionally, oregano oil is very powerful and helps reduce swelling.

GROWING OREGANO FROM SEEDS

 Fill a container with soil and add some perlite or sand to mimic its natural, gritty environment, with a pH between 6 and 7 from slightly acidic to neutral.

Place the seeds on top of the container.  Since oregano seeds are tiny and require light to germinate, start by surface-sowing them onto a well-draining, pre-moistened seed-starting mix, pressing them gently into the soil without burying them. Place the container in a warm area.  Keep the temperature 18°C to 21°C keep the soil moist by misting the surface.   The seedlings will appear in 10 to 14 days.

HOW TALL OREGANO GROWS

Once the plants are a few inches tall, thin them to provide adequate airflow and pinch the tops once the plant has two sets of true leaves to make sure the plant gets bushy. Place it in an area that gets six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.  The plant will grow to be 3 feet tall.  Oregano thrives in slightly “lean” soil don’t over-fertilize it. 

HARVESTING OREGANO LEAVES

Harvest Oregano right before the plant flowers.  When the plant is around 6 inches tall.  Cut the stems back. Save a set of leaves at least 2 inches above the ground,  to ensure the leaves keep growing.