Discover Oregano: The Little Herb with Big Benefits

Guest post by Katrina & Clayton

Oregano is a robust, aromatic herb commonly associated with Mediterranean cuisine. While it naturally thrives in warmer, drier climates, oregano can be successfully grown in Scotland with the right care and attention.

Growing Oregano in Scotland

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a perennial herb that is fairly adaptable and can withstand cooler temperatures, making it a viable choice for Scottish gardens. The key to growing oregano successfully in Scotland is to mimic its natural environment as closely as possible.

Climate Considerations: Scotland’s temperate climate, characterised by cooler summers and relatively mild winters, presents both opportunities and challenges for growing oregano. The herb prefers full sun and well-drained soil, so choosing the right location and ensuring proper drainage is critical. Although oregano is hardy, prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions can stress the plant.

Variety Selection: Different varieties of oregano are suited to different climates. For Scotland, consider growing hardy varieties like Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum) or common oregano (Origanum vulgare). These varieties are more tolerant of cooler climates and offer robust flavours.

Planting Oregano

Timing: The best time to plant oregano in Scotland is in late spring, once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. This timing allows the plant to establish itself before the cooler autumn weather sets in.

Site Selection: Choose a sunny spot in your garden where the oregano will receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. While oregano can tolerate partial shade, full sun is essential for the best flavour and growth. We grow ours in different areas in the garden, down in the food forest in old wine barrels, in pots on our herb station and in raised beds in the kitchen courtyard, all spots that get good sunlight and good drainage.

Soil Preparation: Oregano thrives in well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5 to 7.5). If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with sand, grit, or compost to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging.

Planting Technique:

Spacing: Space oregano plants 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) apart. This allows adequate air circulation, which helps prevent disease.

Planting Depth: If planting from seeds, sow them thinly on the soil surface and cover lightly with soil. For transplants, dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball, and plant at the same depth as in the pot.

Watering: Water the plants well after planting to help them establish. Afterward, water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Pruning Oregano

Pruning is an essential aspect of oregano care, promoting healthy growth and preventing the plant from becoming too woody or leggy.

Initial Pruning: Start pruning your oregano plants when they reach about 10 cm (4 inches) in height. This encourages the plant to grow bushier and produces more foliage. We use all our pruned choppings to dry by spreading them on a tray on the windowsill then removing all the leaves once dried and popping them in a glass pot to use to flavour food, so nothing goes to waste.

Annual Pruning: Prune oregano in late spring and again in late summer. Trim back about one-third of the plant’s height, focusing on the tips. This not only shapes the plant but also stimulates new growth and prevents the plant from becoming too woody.

Harvest Pruning: Regular harvesting of oregano leaves also serves as a form of pruning. Cut the stems just above a leaf node to encourage the plant to produce more branches and leaves.

Dividing Oregano

Oregano is a perennial herb that can be divided every few years to rejuvenate the plant and increase your stock.

When to Divide: The best time to divide oregano is in early spring or autumn when the plant is not actively growing. This reduces stress on the plant and allows it to recover more quickly.

Division Technique:

Digging Up the Plant: Carefully dig up the oregano plant, taking care not to damage the roots.

Dividing the Clump: Use a sharp knife or spade to divide the root ball into smaller sections. Each section should have a good number of roots and some healthy shoots.

Replanting: Replant the divisions immediately in prepared soil, spacing them out as you would new plants. Water well to help them settle in.

Caring for Oregano

Watering: Oregano is drought tolerant once established, so it’s important not to overwater. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in Scotland’s wetter climate.

Mulching: Mulch around the oregano plants with gravel or coarse sand to improve drainage and prevent weeds. Avoid using organic mulches like straw or leaves, as they can retain too much moisture.

Pest and Disease Control: Oregano is relatively pest resistant, but it can occasionally suffer from aphids, spider mites, or fungal diseases. Regularly inspect your plants and remove any affected leaves. Natural remedies, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, can help control pests if necessary.

Companion Planting with Oregano

Companion planting is a cornerstone of permaculture and organic gardening, and oregano is a fantastic companion plant in the garden.

Good Companions:

Tomatoes: Oregano repels aphids and other pests, making it an excellent companion for tomatoes.

Peppers: Like tomatoes, peppers benefit from oregano’s pest-repelling properties.

Basil: Oregano and basil both thrive in similar conditions and enhance each other’s growth.

Cabbage family plants: Oregano helps deter cabbage moths and other pests from brassicas like cabbage, broccoli, and kale.

Bad Companions:

Mint: Oregano and mint should be planted separately, as mint can be invasive and outcompete oregano for nutrients and space.

Cucumbers: While not inherently bad, cucumbers prefer more consistent moisture levels, which can conflict with the drier conditions oregano thrives in.

Edible Parts of the Oregano Plant

Leaves: The most commonly used part of the oregano plant is its leaves, which are known for their pungent, slightly bitter flavour. Oregano leaves can be used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes.. They are often used in sauces, soups, stews, and marinades.

Flowers: Oregano flowers are also edible and have a milder flavour than the leaves. They can be used as a garnish in salads or to add a subtle flavour to dishes. The flowers are also attractive to pollinators, making them a beneficial addition to your garden ecosystem.

Optimal Soil for Oregano

Soil Requirements: Oregano thrives in well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5-7.5). The key to growing oregano successfully in Scotland is ensuring the soil is well-drained, as this herb is susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions.

Soil Preparation:

Amendments: If your garden soil is heavy or clay-like, improve drainage by incorporating sand, grit, or organic matter like compost. This not only enhances soil texture but also improves root aeration.

Ongoing Soil Care:

Mulching: Use gravel or coarse sand as a mulch around your oregano plants to keep the soil warm and well-drained.

Growing oregano in Scotland requires attention to site selection, soil conditions, and proper care, but the effort is well worth it. This versatile herb can thrive in the Scottish climate with the right care, providing flavorful leaves and flowers for culinary use. By understanding the needs of oregano from planting and pruning to dividing and companion planting, you can cultivate a thriving herb garden that not only enhances your meals but also contributes to a healthy, biodiverse garden ecosystem. With its hardy nature and wide range of uses, oregano is a valuable addition to any Scottish garden.

Katrina & Clayton

Katrina & Clayton live with their family in East Ayrshire in Scotland and share their daily life in the garden on instagram @buildingfoodforest_scotland. They practice permaculture principles, reducing & repurposing waste whenever they can. Katrina shows how home educating in nature has helped Clayton thrive.

Clayton Completed The Grow and Learn Course with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society in 2022. This year he will be completing Level 2 Nurture Course. Clayton is 16, Autistic, Non Verbal & has been Home Educated for the last 6yrs. Both Katrina and husband Peter have studied the Permaculture Design Course PDC and PDC Pro over the last 5yrs, developing their garden from grass to an ongoing food forest.

They have featured on BBC Beechgrove Gardens, Gardeners World Magazine and write for Scotland Grows Magazine.  Katrina has a series of children’s story books out following the life of Clayton in the garden. Available at Amazon.

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