Getting your oregano off to a great start is the secret to a long, happy life for the plant. It’s the difference between a lush, bushy herb and a spindly little thing that struggles to survive. To get it right, you just need to know a few basics about the best location, the right soil, and the perfect timing.
Buying vs. Growing Your Own Oregano
There are a few ways to get your hands on an oregano plant. The easiest way is to just buy one, but be careful: those gorgeous, bushy pots you see in the supermarket are often “forced” to grow quickly for immediate eating. They usually don’t transplant well into the garden. If you’re buying a plant, your best bet is to head to a local nursery or garden center.
Of course, you can also propagate oregano yourself! It’s actually pretty simple to do by dividing a large existing plant, taking cuttings, or starting from scratch with seeds.
When is the Best Time to Plant?
If you’re dividing an older plant, early spring is the way to go. For everything else, I’d recommend waiting until mid-May. Even though most oregano varieties are hardy, young starts are a bit sensitive to the cold. You can direct-sow seeds in your garden beds starting in mid-April, but for a head start, I love starting seeds indoors around mid-February.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Picking the right location ensures a healthy plant and a much more flavorful harvest for your kitchen. Here’s what oregano is looking for in a home:
- Tons of sunshine (the more, the better!)
- A south-facing spot is ideal
- The top tier of a herb spiral (where it’s driest)
- Well-draining, “lean” soil (not too rich)
Pro Tip:
If your garden soil is heavy with clay, mix in some sand before planting to help with drainage. Oregano hates “wet feet!”
How to Plant Your Oregano
Once you’ve found the spot and the timing is right, planting is a breeze. Just follow these steps:
- Give your potted plant a good drink of water first.
- Dig a hole about twice as large as the root ball.
- Toss in a little bit of compost.
- Set the plant in the hole at the same depth it was in its pot.
- Fill in the gaps with soil and press down lightly.
- Give it a nice watering to settle it in.
Initial Care Tips
For the first few weeks, you’ll need to water your new oregano more frequently. However, keep in mind that this herb prefers being dry over being soaked. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Once the plant looks established and strong, you can start pinching it back to encourage it to grow nice and bushy.
Planting Oregano in Containers
If you don’t have garden space, growing oregano in pots works great! Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a large pot (at least 12 inches in diameter).
- Make sure it has a large drainage hole.
- Add a drainage layer at the bottom using gravel, clay pebbles, or broken terracotta shards.
- Use a high-quality herb or veggie soil mixed with a bit of sand.
Pro Tip:
Oregano is a great neighbor! If you have a large enough container, it loves sharing space with other Mediterranean herbs like sage, basil, or thyme.
