Oregano is used in many Italian dishes.In addition to its uses in the kitchen, it is a lovely plant that provides ground cover.No matter where you live, fresh oregano can be grown in both your home and outside.
Step 1: You can choose between seeds or clippings.
If you already have some oregano plants, you may want to use clippings instead of buying new seeds.If you use seeds, you can expect that about 14 of the seeds won't grow, so you may want to plant several.Only established plants should have clippings taken from them.You should not take clippings until the roots of your plants are well developed.
Step 2: You can choose your planting location.
If you want to plant Oregano, you should choose a location that has good soil and sunshine.When the weather warms up, you may want to start your plant indoors and transfer it outside.Oregano thrives in soil that is moderately fertilized.If you want it to grow well, you won't need to add compost orfertilizer.
Step 3: There should be extra space for multiple plants.
A fully grown oregano plant is about 212 feet tall and 2 feet wide.If you want to get the best results in your garden, you should give your oregano about 25 cm of space between plants.If you want to grow oregano indoors, choose a pot that is about 1 ft in diameter.This will give your plant enough room to grow.
Step 4: For a head start, plant early.
As early as 6 to 10 weeks before the last predicted frost of spring, you can plant your oregano.During a cold snap, you may want to protect your plants with a layer of hay.You can use bed sheets, blankets, or plastic sheets in place of hay.You can use stakes to prop up your covering.After the sun has risen and the air is warm, you should remove your covering from the plants.After the last frost, hay should be removed from the plants.
Step 5: It's time to plant your oregano.
You'll want to plant seeds about 14 inch deep and bury clippings about the same depth.While waiting for your plants to emerge from the ground, you should be patient since seeds can take a long time to grow.You shouldn't attempt to use seeds that have been stored for a long time.The chance of seeds growing decreases as time goes on.They are cutting the leaves on the end to plant.Plants take up to 10 days to grow from the ground.Depending on factors like soil quality, sunlight, and frequency of watering, your oregano may take more or less time.
Step 6: Moderately water your oregano.
Water your plants frequently during the first few months of growth.You can reduce the amount of water once they are established.Touch the soil around the plant to see if it needs water.You should water the area if it feels dry.Plants in containers should be treated like outdoor grown oregano.If you notice water dripping from the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, you should douse the plant.
Step 7: For thicker growth, trim your oregano.
By pinching the ends of your plant, you can encourage the growth of denser leaves.Use a pair of shears or scissors to thin the outer growth of the plant.Excess stem growth in your plant can be prevented by trimming.The yield of your crop will be reduced by this condition.When your plant continues to grow, you should notice a branch when you trim it.These branches will bear more leaves, meaning more oregano for you.You can either dry the fresh oregano or use it in a recipe.
Step 8: Older plants need to be removed.
Plants that are sick or thin can crowd better plants and steal resources.Plants that are three or four years old will be less productive and are prime candidates for removal.You can't remember which plants are old and which are young.When you can judge the plant's age by its initial growth, you should wait until early spring.
Step 9: Take care of your plants.
Weeds can ruin your oregano, block out the sun, or soak up the water intended for your plants.It is easier to remove weeds when they are young.Try to pull up as much of the roots as possible by grasping the weed firmly at its base.There are a lot of garden tools you can use.A spade or rooting tool can make your weed removal less of a chore.
Step 10: Pick your herb.
Oregano can be used fresh from the garden, but you should wash it before using it.If you want to dry the herb, pat it dry with a towel.It's ready to be used in any recipe that calls for fresh oregano.Oregano is at its peak before it blooms.Depending on the region you live in, the season is usually in early July.
Step 11: Put your oregano in a container.
The easiest time to do this is in the morning after the sun has set.Use a pair of shears or scissors to cut the leaves from the plant.Attach the bundles with a rubber band around the stems.Don't bundle the oregano too tightly.This can cause a less than desirable finished product.
Step 12: The bundles need to be covered.
This will prevent dust from accumulating on your oregano as it dries and will keep the sun from damaging the color of the plant.If you want the herb to dry better, you should cut the slits in the paper bags.While it is drying, you should keep an eye on it.It is possible for direct sunlight to cause mold to grow and ruin your dried oregano.
Step 13: The bundles should be hung to dry.
Your climate will affect the time it takes to dry.It may take a few days or two weeks in some regions.You should hang your plants in a place that is warm and dry, but out of the sun.The attic, porch, clothesline, and kitchen are some places you might consider for drying your oregano.You should keep an eye on the weather when you are outside.Rain could affect your work.
Step 14: Store your dried herb.
The leaves are ready to be stored when they become brittle.Place your bundles on a sheet of wax paper.Pick out the stems, which can be thrown away, after you crumble the plants.It's a good idea to store your dried oregano in a jar.To make it easy to transfer dried oregano into a container, you might want to take the wax paper by two corners and form a funnel.You can shake the dried leaves into the container by placing one end of the funnel above the mouth.