Garden Herbs 101: How to Grow Oregano
We have yet to meet someone who doesn’t like oregano! This aromatic and delicious herb can be sprinkled over a fresh pizza, stirred into a hearty pasta sauce, or brewed into tea. Oregano brings warmth and depth to any dish, and best of all - it’s incredibly easy to grow! Due to its low maintenance, the herb is perfect for beginner gardeners. If you’re wondering how to grow oregano in metal raised garden beds, our guide will take you through everything you need to know!
Why Oregano?
What makes oregano such a great addition to the garden? For starters, it’s a hardy perennial, meaning it doesn’t demand much but gives plenty in return. Oregano thrives in a variety of conditions, is drought-tolerant, and even repels certain pests. On top of that, it’s incredibly pretty to look at! Those tiny, delicate leaves and occasional flowers can add a twist to your garden.
How to Grow Oregano from Seed
Growing oregano from seed is very easy but does require a little patience. Here’s how you can do it:
- Choose the Right Time – Plant the oregano seeds indoors in pots or containers about six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Oregano seeds are slow to germinate, so give them a head start.
- Prepare the Soil - Use a light mix, something that drains well. Fill seed trays or small pots with the mix and leave about half an inch of space at the top.
- Plant the Seeds - Sprinkle the tiny oregano seeds on the soil’s surface. Since they need light to germinate, don’t bury them. Just press them gently into the soil.
- Keep it Moist - Mist the soil lightly with water and cover the trays with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to retain moisture.
- Provide a Cozy Atmosphere - Place the trays in a warm spot and provide bright, indirect light. Germination can take anywhere from 7 to 14 days.
- Transplant Them - Once the seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves, you can move them to larger pots or directly into the garden (after the last frost).
How to Grow Oregano from Cuttings
Trying to grow oregano from cuttings is quicker than seeds. It can help you get a clone of the parent plant, which is helpful if you work with a variety you love. Here’s how to do it:
- Select a Healthy Plant - Snip a 4-6 inch stem from an established oregano plant, just below a leaf node. Most importantly, choose a stem that doesn’t have flowers
- Prepare the Cutting - Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and leave the top few intact.
- Water Method - Place the stem in a glass of water but make sure the lower leaves aren’t submerged. Change the water every few days. The roots should appear in about 1-2 weeks.
- Soil Method – Plant it in a small pot with moist, well-draining soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not too soggy.
- Transplant - Once the roots are a few inches long or the plant shows new growth, you can move it to a larger pot or raised bed.
How to Grow Oregano in a Round-Raised Bed
Raised beds are perfect for oregano because they provide excellent drainage. This is crucial for this Mediterranean herb. A round raised bed can also create an amazing garden centerpiece.
- Choose the Right Spot - Oregano loves full sun, so pick a sunny location for the raised bed.
- Prepare the Soil - Fill the bed with well-draining soil, enriched with a little compost. Oregano doesn’t need overly rich soil. It thrives in soil that mimics its native Mediterranean habitat.
- Spacing - Plant oregano about 8-10 inches apart in the raised bed, giving them enough space to spread out.
- Water – Do this thoroughly, then water moderately as the plant grows. Oregano is drought-tolerant, so try not to overwater it. This can be more harmful than letting the soil dry out a bit.
- Companion Planting - Consider planting oregano alongside other Mediterranean herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil. These herbs thrive under similar conditions.
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The Benefits of Round Metal Raised Garden Beds
The 24” wide round metal raised garden beds are perfect for creating a special garden just for kids, allowing them to experience the joy of gardening. As a practical garden bed, it has many uses. You can place it in the corner of your garden or on either side of your entrance to grow bright, decorative flowers. It truly adds a striking touch of color to your space.
Round metal raised garden beds offer a unique blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, which is why they are a favorite choice for many gardeners. In particular, here are some of the key advantages:
- Ample Planting Space
The round design maximizes planting area, allowing you to cultivate a variety of plants in one convenient location. Whether you're planning a vibrant herb garden or a colorful flower display, a 24" wide round bed is perfect for beautifying your backyard.
- Easy Access
The round shape ensures that every part of the bed is easily reachable. As a result, this design minimizes the need to bend or stretch, making planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting a breeze. Consequently, say goodbye to sore backs and hello to effortless gardening!
- Enhanced Drainage
Round metal raised beds promote excellent drainage, preventing waterlogging and allowing excess moisture to escape. This is crucial for root health, especially during heavy rains, ensuring your plants thrive in a well-drained environment.
- Durability and Longevity
Constructed from high-quality metal, Zn-Al-Mg steel, these beds are built to last. Even they can last at least for about 20 years. They resist rot and pests, ensuring your investment stands the test of time, season after season.
Oregano Temperature Tolerance
Oregano is a tough little herb – so here is how you can make it thrive:
- Ideal Temperature - Oregano grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F.
- Cold Tolerance - While oregano is perennial in USDA zones 5-10, it may need a little extra protection in colder zones. In areas with harsh winters, put mulch around the base of the plant or grow oregano in containers that can be put indoors.
- Heat Tolerance - Oregano handles heat well, especially with good drainage.
If you’re in an area with extreme temperatures, grow oregano in a raised bed or container. This makes it easier to manage its environment.
How to Harvest Oregano Without Killing the Plant
This is simple, but it’s important to do it in a way that encourages growth and doesn’t harm the plant.
- Timing - Harvest oregano just before it flowers for the best flavor. The essential oils are at their peak at this stage.
- Tools - Use sharp scissors or shears to make clean cuts. Don’t tear the stems, as this can damage the plant.
- Where to Cut - Cut stems about one-third of the way down, just above a leaf node (the point where leaves grow from the stem). This encourages new growth.
- Frequency - Oregano can handle regular harvest. In fact, the more you harvest, the bushier and more productive the plant will become. Remember- always leave one-third intact.
- Dry it and Store it - Oregano is fantastic fresh, and it also dries beautifully. Hang bunches of harvested stems upside down in a cool, dark place until they’re completely dry. Then, strip the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Oregano isn’t just a delicious herb, it’s a garden powerhouse! It attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies and is incredibly easy to grow. This hardy herb will reward you with beauty, fragrance, and an amazing taste. We hope this will leave you with an amazing herb in your garden. Keep reading our blogs, we have a lot more prepared for you!
