Originally hailing from Southern Europe, oregano is a sun-lover that thrives in dry soil. This means you can usually keep the watering can tucked away! However, exactly how much water your plant needs depends on its size and whatever the weather is throwing at it lately.
Keep an eye on those young plants
Oregano prefers well-drained, dry locations. But here’s a pro tip: compared to some other Mediterranean herbs, it’s actually a bit less drought-tolerant than you might think. Newly planted oregano is especially sensitive because its root system is still getting established in the soil. For the first few weeks, make sure to water regularly. Once the plants get bigger and more established, they’ll become much more self-sufficient.
Potted plants dry out faster
Whether your oregano is in a pot on the patio or a container in the kitchen, it’s going to be thirstier than its cousins in the garden bed. This is because potting soil dries out quickly, and the roots are limited to a small space to find moisture. Don’t just guess based on the pot size, though—look at the plant itself. The more lush and leafy it is, the more water it’s going to drink up.
Summer heat means more hydration
When summer hits, all oregano varieties need a little extra love. Even your garden-bed plants will need a drink when the days get hot and the rain disappears. Here’s the best way to handle the heat:
- Give garden plants a good, deep soak.
- Let the herb really pull that moisture in.
- For pots, water more frequently but in moderate amounts.
- On scorching days, plan on watering daily.
- Stick to early morning or evening to avoid evaporation.
Quick Note:
Keep in mind that after a big pruning during the flowering season, your plant won’t be as thirsty. Since harvesting stems for drying or freezing reduces the leaf mass, the plant won’t lose as much water through evaporation.
Avoid the dreaded “wet feet”
If there’s one thing oregano hates, it’s standing in water. Too much moisture leads to root rot, which is a real mood-killer for herbs. Always let the soil dry out a bit before you reach for the watering can again. To prevent drainage issues, try these tricks:
- Add a drainage layer (like clay pebbles or gravel) to the bottom of your pots.
- Use well-draining soil or high-quality potting mix.
- Mix in some sand to improve soil aeration.
- Always empty the saucer under your pots so they don’t sit in water.
Pro Tip:
You’ll often hear gardeners warn against using tap water because of the lime content. With oregano, you don’t have to worry! This herb actually loves lime-rich soil. Unless your water is extremely hard, tap water is perfectly fine—otherwise, rainwater is always a great backup.
