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.
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
Our flower garden in August can be brimming with activities... Read More
Snow peas may have been named because in bright sunlight... Read More
Growing your own seedlings is very gratifying and far more... Read More
Extending Your Living SpaceThe garden is fast being considered to... Read More
Chocolate cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguinea) is both nose and eye candy... Read More
Gardening is one of life's pleasures whether you grow flowers,... Read More
Flowers are a favorite of many backyard gardeners. Thanks to... Read More
There's been a huge increase in the popularity of garden... Read More
This is the time of the year that I keep... Read More
What a cruel trick the weather is playing on us.WE... Read More
An important addition to any British back garden, the greenhouse... Read More
To many people, "tarp" conjures an image of a crumpled... Read More
Gardening is a hobby that brings joy, entertainment, and a... Read More
Chainsaws provide many years of service for very little upkeep.... Read More
Greenhouses provide a warm, humid atmosphere and are home to... Read More
Grow your own cooking herbs to add fresh zest and... Read More
Whether you have a preformed or a liner pond, a... Read More
Why Compost?Recent studies show that an average family throws away... Read More
Swallowtail butterflies are some of the most beautiful butterflies found... Read More
We've had some well needed rain this past week, though... Read More
I recently bought a small tractor for my garden, which... Read More
Keeping Your Soil HealthyYour soil is the most important part... Read More
There is nothing better to do on a hot, lazy... Read More
Poison ivy is found throughout southern Canada and most of... Read More
Have you noticed you do not see as many butterflies... Read More
Trying to start your lawn mower after a long winter... Read More
Building a waterfall is easier than you think and will... Read More
I have a love for funky, fun and unique garden... Read More
Noted English clergyman Sydney Smith (1771-1845) is quoted as saying,... Read More
The art of planting roses doesn't have to be a... Read More
Damping off is the single term used to describe underground,... Read More
If you live in an apartment or town home, you... Read More
Is it possible for a garden sundial to tell perfect... Read More
The first thing you need to grow apples is a... Read More
We all know one disadvantage of flowers is that they... Read More
Push Reel Mowers are making a "comeback" of sorts, though,... Read More
Most riding lawn mowers are machines fun ride and extremely... Read More
In many parts of North America, the end of "porch... Read More
My first introductions to Hostas were four small green and... Read More
The Adirondack chair is unlike any other chair every made.... Read More
Don't force yourself out of the most profitable hobby in... Read More
Tips for winter care of trees and shrubsWith the garden... Read More
Here are a few tips to keep your garden and... Read More
Having a gazebo in the backyard is an excellent way... Read More
Throughout the course of time, black roses have conjured... Read More
There is no mention to be found of female leprechauns... Read More
THE BASICS OF HYDROPONICS.An Introduction To Indoor Plant Grow Lights.There... Read More
Many times when the weather becomes sultry, the only place... Read More
Is it possible for a garden sundial to tell perfect... Read More
One of the most popular herbs is Ocimum basilicum commonly... Read More
The selection of roses you can grow in your home... Read More
Planting roses isn't actually complicated, as long as you have... Read More
The Porch Swing is enjoying a surge in popularity thanks... Read More
If you live in an apartment or town home, you... Read More
There is a magical quality to porch swings. In his... Read More
The world's tallest unsupported flagpole is located in Amman, Jordan.... Read More
Do you love spending time outdoors in your garden creating... Read More
Spring is coming, and now is the time to get... Read More
Do cat repellents work? How to stop a cat from... Read More
The art of planting roses doesn't have to be a... Read More
The principal house plants which are easy to raise by... Read More
Anyone with a lawn, no matter how small will at... Read More
IntroductionSo you've decided to build your very own backyard water... Read More
So you want to grow roses? They are a beautiful... Read More
When hot, sticky days hit, try to use all your... Read More
A wild flower garden, just like any garden you wish... Read More
Landscaping & Gardening |