A truer survivor, oregano adapts well to both extreme heat and cold in its natural habitat. However, it depends on the variety how hardy the herb is. For this reason, adequate winter protection is required.
Cover young plants early
Oregano planted in the current year is often not yet sufficiently hardened to survive frosts unscathed. It is therefore advisable to give the actually hardy plants appropriate protection as soon as the first night frosts set in.
- In the fall, cut the oregano about a hand's breadth above the ground.
- Pile up the herbs at the base with two shovels of garden soil, which you can add humus to.
Since the plant dries up in the frozen ground when exposed to wind and sunlight, it is important to also provide shade. This also protects the plants from the frequent interplay of warm daytime temperatures and frost at night in our latitudes.
- Cover the above-ground part of the oregano with spruce branches or leaves.
- Alternatively, you can cover the kitchen herb with a suitable plant fleece.
Overwinter oregano in a bucket
- Only leave planters outdoors that the manufacturer has declared as frost-resistant.
- Move the pots to a wind-protected and bright corner of the patio.
- Cover both the flower pot and the herb with garden fleece or bubble wrap.
- Leave a chimney when using foil to allow moisture in the air to evaporate.
- Since the oregano should be watered a little on mild winter days, ensure sufficient water drainage.
Overwinter oregano indoors
In very harsh locations, you can take the herb from the herb garden, pot it and overwinter it in a bright, frost-free room. The same applies to oregano plants that you have cultivated on the balcony or terrace during the summer.
tips and tricks
We advise against overwintering at room temperature, because the oregano can only survive until spring if the plant's metabolism is slowed down.