The original home of oregano is the warm Mediterranean region, where the spicy herb forms large carpets of flowers. These smell wonderfully aromatic in the summer months and serve as a valuable source of food for numerous insects.

The oregano loves the sun

Overgrown oregano thrives in these areas preferably on dry meadows and on sparse forest edges. If the herb finds optimal conditions, it grows denser and overgrows large areas over the years.

The optimal site conditions

In the garden, too, oregano loves a warm location and slightly calcareous, permeable and rather nutrient-poor soil. A full sun or partially shaded spot in the rock garden or herb bed is ideal. Loosen up loamy garden soil with some quartz sand (€15.85) or lava gravel. This prevents waterlogging, to which oregano is very sensitive.

If you want to cultivate the oregano on the balcony or window sill, the location should face south if possible. The plant also thrives on an east or west-facing balcony.

Provide winter protection despite optimal location

Oregano is a hardy, robust and perennial perennial. Nevertheless, adequate protection against the cold in the herb bed is advisable. In the fall, cover the soil around the herb with a layer of leaves and cover the oregano with twigs. Provided with suitable winter protection, you can overwinter potted plants in mild regions in a sheltered spot on the balcony. Alternatively, a frost-free and bright room is suitable for wintering.

Attention allergy sufferers

The fragrant flowers of oregano are a popular bee pasture. If you have allergies in the household, you should therefore ensure that you keep a sufficient distance from entrances, windows and frequently used areas of the garden or balcony. If this is not possible, it is advisable to consistently remove the flowers of the herb that appear from June.

tips and tricks

The sunnier and lighter the oregano is, the higher the content of essential oils in the leaves.

Category:

Vegetable garden