In its southern homeland, oregano forms large, fragrant cushions on sunny, poor meadows. If you give the plant a full sun and permeable location in your home garden, the easy-care oregano will develop into an attractive, bushy perennial.

The water requirement

Oregano prefers dry soil and does not like waterlogging. Therefore, supply the wild marjoram with water carefully and never water too much. Whenever possible, use stagnant rainwater for watering, as it is low in lime and has more nutrients than tap water.

Fertilize sparingly

In its southern homeland, oregano thrives on poor soil and is very undemanding. Only fertilize the plant moderately during the growing season. It is sufficient to supply the oregano with commercial fertilizer every few weeks.

Repot or implement

Oregano can also be easily cultivated in a bucket on the balcony. While the slow-growing oregano in the garden rarely needs to be repotted, oregano in the pot always needs a new planter when space is tight or the plant is unstable. Even if the growth slows noticeably, you should implement the oregano.

The blend of oregano

After the winter break, shorten the tips of the branches by about three centimeters. This stimulates rapid budding and promotes compact growth.

During the summer months, you should regularly shorten the vigorously growing plant. During the flowering period, the aromatic content is at its highest. At this point, cut the plant above the branching of the flowers. After flowering, you can cut the plant back to just above the ground.

diseases and pests

Oregano is very robust and is rarely attacked by diseases and pests. If the plant is too moist, rot and wilt can occur.

Occurring pests:

  • Occasionally cicadas can be found on the front of the leaves. Since these can cause lasting damage to oregano and other plants, they should be combated with yellow panels.
  • You can counteract aphid infestation by vigorously rinsing off the pests. Natural predators such as ladybugs or earwigs support you in the fight against lice. In order not to damage these beneficial insects, you should fight aphids exclusively with natural means. Spraying with washing-up liquid or stinging nettle has proven successful.

Provide winter protection

The oregano is a survivor and can also cope with extreme cold during the cold season. How frost hardy the plant is depends on the variety. You should therefore attach winter protection made of brushwood or fleece as soon as the ground freezes for the first time.

tips and tricks

If you want to cultivate the plant in the long term, you should use oregano plants from the garden trade. Plants available in the supermarket are grown for direct consumption in a very short time and are not sufficiently hardened.

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Vegetable garden