Oregano: Joy of the Mountain

Known as "joy of the mountain," Origanum vulgare is commonly called culinary oregano or Turkish oregano. Oregano is a close relative of marjoram and is also known as pot marjoram. Similar in taste to marjoram, oregano's taste is more pungent and has overtones of mint. Greek oregano, subspecies hirtum of O. vulgare, is recommended as the best type of oregano for cooking. Oregano is a half-hardy perennial that can be grown outdoors as an annual or indoors as a perennial. Blooming in early summer, Greek oregano has pink, white, or purple flowers, dark green opposite leaves that are highly aromatic, and slim, squarish, woody, branched stems. Greek oregano has a branching taproot and grows in a clump. Used the world over in Italian, Mexican, and Spanish dishes, Greek oregano is one of the three essential ingredients in Italian cooking along with basil and marjoram.

Greek oregano grows 24 inches (60 centimetres) tall. Cultivation requirements: does best in light, rich, well-drained soil; requires full sun and a sheltered location; do not overwater and allow the top 1 inch (2.5 centimetres) of soil to dry-out between waterings; pinch off flowers to keep the plant bushy; do not over fertilise. Buy young plants or take cuttings to propagate, as the flavour and aroma of oregano started from seed may be disappointing. Start new oregano plants by layering stems from existing plants. Pin down the stem, cover with soil, and keep moist until you see new growth. Transplant new plants to pots or their new location.

Greek oregano requires at least 5 hours of sunlight a day. If you are growing oregano on a windowsill, turn frequently to ensure that all sides receive equal amounts of light. Oregano can also be grown under fluorescent lights. Hang lights 6 inches (15 centimetres) above the plants and leave on for 14 hours a day.

In the garden, plant oregano with broccoli to deter the cabbage butterfly. It is a beneficial companion to all plants, improving both flavour and growth. Oregano can be grown in pots in the garden as well as in the soil. In the kitchen, use in pizza, tomato sauces, pasta, hearty soups, omelettes, cold bean salads, marinades for meats of all kinds, cheese and egg dishes, and bland vegetables such as zucchini, green beans, eggplant, potatoes, and mushroom dishes. Oregano blends well with garlic, thyme, and basil. Oregano butter can be poured over fish and shellfish just before serving or baking. Oregano has a strong flavour so use sparingly and add during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

To harvest, pick small sprigs as needed. Oregano can be stored by drying. To dry, cup off plants 1 inch (2.5 centimetres) from the ground, tie plants into bunches, and hang in a warm, dry, shady location. After leaves are dry, strip off and store in an airtight container.

Gwen Nyhus Stewart, B.S.W., M.G., H.T., is an educator, freelance writer, garden consultant, and author of the book The Healing Garden: A Place Of Peace ? Gardening For The Soil, Gardening For The Soul and the booklet Non-toxic Alternatives For Everyday Cleaning And Gardening Products. She owns the website Gwen's Healing Garden where you will find lots of free information about gardening for the soil and gardening for the soul. To find out more about the books and subscribe to her free Newsletter visit http://www.gwenshealinggarden.ca

Gwen Nyhus Stewart © 2004 ? 2005. All rights reserved.

---

Mowing the Lawn

This is more of a follow up on my original... Read More

Granite Flexible Preformed Rock Ponds

More than just a Preformed PondTraditionally, preformed ponds are large... Read More

Taming Your Outdoors

Slapping yourself silly trying to keep mosquitoes from biting you?... Read More

The Tools of Rose Gardening

Like any job you tackle, it's always easier if you... Read More

Orchid Care What The Flower Tells

In Orchid Care The Flower Will Tell You About Some... Read More

Beauty With Indigenous Species

A garden a serves a man's every day need for... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Landscaping Schemes - Do They Add Value-Is It The Chicken Or The Egg?

Have you noticed how everything looks great at the moment... Read More

Selecting Outdoor Benches

Outdoor benches are an excellent way to enhance a garden,... Read More

Landscaping Design - The Primary Principles

Principles refer to standards or prescriptions for working with or... Read More

10 Tips to Care for Your Antique Ceramics

To care for your antique ceramics you need a gentle... Read More

Good Tools and Hard Work is What Creates EyeCatching and Functional Gardens

"Gardens are not made by sitting in the shade." -Rudyard... Read More

Lawn Care Information

Recent lawn care information reports that a lot of us... Read More

How To Grow Luscious Tomatoes

The tomato is the most commonly grown vegetable in the... Read More

How to Care for Long Stem Roses

Widely considered to be the most popular roses for... Read More

Fun, Funky Garden Plants

I have a love for funky, fun and unique garden... Read More

Garden for Birds #3

Well, another week is passing us by.I want to thank... Read More

Toxic Pollutants & Their Effect on Fish Health

Once water temperatures increase in the summer months, fish become... Read More

Tuberous Begonias

If you appreciate plants that have no hesitation in boldly... Read More

Growing Palms

Palms Everybody recognises palm trees, they are the... Read More

The Perfect Porch Swing

There is a magical quality to porch swings. In his... Read More

How to Make Your Own Rooting Hormone

When starting a new plant from a leaf or stem... Read More

Koi Pond Aeration

To achieve Koi pond aeration, there are some things you... Read More

Gallica Roses

Very soon stocks of new season's roses will... Read More

Multi Purpose Tree ? Sugar Palm

Palm family is unique in the aspect that most of... Read More

How to Grow Bamboo

Bamboo is a mysterious and elusive plant that baffles taxonomists... Read More

External vs. Submersible Pumps. Which One Should You Use?

For many people, it's never been a question of whether... Read More

How to Grow Avocado

Fruit gardening and vegetable gardening is a very exciting venture.... Read More

Gardeners Gift Ideas

Plant lovers and backyard enthusiasts are special people who will... Read More

Gardenscape On A Shoestring

Many of us flip through garden magazines, all the while... Read More

Mole Traps: Can You Use Them?

Mole control is one of the most complicated problems that... Read More

Build a Rain Garden

There's a new garden in town. It is (mostly) easy... Read More

The Truth About Tulips

Roses may be beautiful but Tulips are magnificent. The huge... Read More

Ultra Violet Pond Filter

Having an ultra violet pond filter will give you a... Read More