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Why Grow Oregano?

Oregano is a perennial herb that’s part of the mint family. It’s commonly used in various Italian, Mexican, or Greek dishes. However, oregano has many uses. For example, you can use fresh oregano leaves within recipes or use them as a garnish. Alternatively, you can dry out the oregano leaves to use in recipes or to save for later use.

In addition to all the ways you can use this herb, another reason you should grow oregano is that it’s an easy plant to care for. For instance, if you’re a beginner gardener, you can easily learn how to grow oregano. Oregano is hardy and low-maintenance to care of once you get the hang of it.

In the long run, if you grow oregano yourself, you can use this yummy herb for many recipes and save yourself some money at the grocery store.

When To Plant Oregano

As previously mentioned, oregano is a hardy herb. So, while it prefers milder climates and has specific growing conditions, it’s versatile when being planted.

You can plant your oregano indoors inside a pot or a container. Alternatively, you can put the pot outside in your garden where it won’t take up space but can still be around your other plants. Or, you can plant your oregano straight into the garden.

If you decide to put your oregano directly in the garden, then the best time to plant it is right at the start of spring. Of course, we don’t mean looking at the calendar and seeing when the first day of spring is. Once the final frost of the winter season has happened, then you can safely plant your oregano in the garden.

However, if you decide to plant your oregano indoors before moving it to the garden, you should plant it six weeks before the last frost. This will allow your oregano ample time to start growing.

Then, when the weather is ready for your oregano to be planted in the garden, your herb will settle nicely into the outside soil.

Alternatively, if you decide to plant oregano and it’s pretty late in the season, you can still get it planted before the winter. You’ll want to add oregano to your garden no later than eight weeks before the first frost of the season. The eight weeks will give your oregano enough time to get started and grow enough that it’ll be able to withstand the winter.

Can You Plant Oregano At Other Times Of The Year?

The short answer is yes. You can plant oregano at any time you want as long as it’s indoors.

For example, oregano can grow well in a pot or container inside your home. So, you can begin to grow it whenever you want. You can always move it to your garden later when the weather is nicer.

However, if you want to grow your oregano in your garden right away, then you’ll need to wait for early spring or, at the latest, late fall to begin.

How Long Does Oregano Take To Grow?

Oregano will seem like it grows quickly, especially in the beginning. Also, you can begin harvesting your oregano when it’s about four to six inches tall.

However, even though you can harvest it early, it’s still not fully grown.

For instance, an oregano bush takes about 80 to 90 days to reach full maturity.

You can learn more about how long oregano takes to grow here.

Tips For Planting Oregano

Whether you plant oregano in a pot or outside in the garden, make sure you have a type of soil that drains water well. For example, use soil that’s sandy or loamy in texture.

If you plant oregano in the garden, then you’ll want to plant it near similar herbs or plants that need the same type of soil and other growing conditions.

This is called companion planting, where the plants near one another can help each other grow and thrive.

You can learn more about companion planting with oregano here.

Oregano needs soil that drains water well because it doesn’t need too much water to survive. So, for example, you’ll only need to water your oregano plant when you notice the top of the soil is bone dry.

Read more about how much to water oregano here.

In addition, oregano needs plenty of sunlight. So you’ll want to plant your herb in a spot in the garden that gets at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day.

Alternatively, if you plant your oregano indoors, put it in a sunny room. Or, you can use a sun lamp to help it grow, especially on cloudy days.

Finally, when planting oregano in a garden, give it at least 8-12 inches of space between other plants. Oregano likes to spread out.

When To Harvest Oregano

Luckily, oregano bushes have an average lifespan of about five to six years. So, you’ll be able to get at least one harvest from it during its first year. Then, you can get at least two harvests each year after that.

When you first plant your oregano bush, you’ll be able to harvest it when it’s about four to six inches tall.

However, the best time to harvest your oregano is right before the flowers begin to bud.

If you want to make room for more harvesting, you can snip the flowers off to give more space for leaves to grow.

You can also harvest and use the flowers. Read more here.

Will Oregano Survive Winter?

Believe it or not, yes. Oregano can survive the winter as long as it’s cared for properly during the harsh cold weather.

If the weather isn’t too cold, your oregano will simply go dormant. Then, when the weather turns warmer again, the oregano will begin to grow again.

However, there are ways to protect it from the cold.

First, you can prune your oregano plant, removing any dead stems. Also, make sure everything is harvested and then you can store the fresh leaves (or dry them out) for later use.

Alternatively, you can dig up your oregano bush and transfer it to a large pot or container. Then, you can bring it inside your house, where it’ll continue to grow throughout the winter season.

In addition, if you have a greenhouse, you can keep your oregano plant in there all year round. Or you can keep it in there only during the winter.

Read my full guide to oregano and winter here.

Final Words on When to Plant Oregano

In a nutshell, oregano can be planted at any time of the year. First, however, you’ll want to strategize when you want to grow your oregano and when you want to be able to harvest it. The when will depend on the where. For example, you can plant your oregano straight into the garden outside after the last frost or a few weeks before the first frost. Alternatively, you can have your oregano be a houseplant for most of the year before bringing it to the garden, or it can be a houseplant all year round.

Want to learn more? Click here to learn where to plant oregano and here to find out how it spreads. Find all my oregano guides here.

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The post When To Plant Oregano: Planting Tips and Care appeared first on Gardening Chief.

Then, we’ll go more in-depth about the watering needs of oregano. We’ll also explain the signs and symptoms of overwatering and underwatering oregano. Finally, we’ll share some tips about caring for oregano through sun, soil, fertilizer, harvesting, and more.

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Why Grow Oregano?

There’s a lot to love about oregano. You can quickly grow this plant if you’re a beginner gardener because it’s hardy and low-maintenance to care for.

For instance, you can grow it in your garden or keep it inside the house. It can also survive the winter if left outside and protected well enough so that it’ll keep growing for a few years to come.

Despite it being easy to grow, why should you grow oregano? You can use every part of the oregano plant for various needs.

For example, you can harvest the oregano leaves to use within your cooking. The fresh leaves can be used or stored. Alternatively, you can dry out the leaves and use them as such or store them for later.

Even the flowers on the oregano plant are edible and can be used for many different purposes.

Finally, oregano is a great companion plant for other plants in your garden.

So, when it comes to growing oregano, how much water do you need to give it for the plant to thrive?

How Much Water Does Oregano Need?

Believe it or not, oregano doesn’t need too much water, unlike some other plants.

This herb prefers to be more dry than wet, but it still needs a drink once in a while to grow well.

How Much Water Does Oregano Need In The Garden

When planting oregano in the garden, make sure that you place it near plants with similar soil and watering needs. For example, oregano prefers to have soil that drains water well. So, you can use sandy or loamy-like soil.

You want to use soil that drains well because oregano doesn’t like to get too wet. So you don’t need to water it often. For example, when in the garden, if you notice that the top of the soil is dry to the touch, then you can water it.

Also, you can poke your finger about an inch deep into the soil to see how moist it is under the surface. If that’s dry, be sure to water the plant thoroughly. You won’t want to soak the plant, but the soil will drain the water enough that your oregano can get the drink it needs without being oversaturated.

How Much Water Does Oregano Need When Grown In Pots

Growing oregano in pots is similar to being in the garden. Of course, it has less room, but you’ll only want to water it when the top of the soil is bone dry. Once you water it, you can place the pot in the bathtub or sink and let some of the water drain out of the bottom of the pot.

Again, the oregano plant will drink what it needs.

Signs Of Overwatering In Oregano

Is it possible to overwater your oregano plant? Yes, it is.

In fact, your oregano will tell you if it’s being overwatered. So, you’ll want to look out for the following signs:

• The leaves will turn dark, black, or yellow before falling off
• Fuzzy mildew will appear on the plant
• The plant will have stunted growth
• The stems and roots will break off easily
• The roots will rot (they’ll become slimy and dark)
• The plant will not perk up after being watered
• Edema will appear on the leaves (blisters and lesions)

Of course, you don’t want any of these signs to occur for your oregano plant. So, how can you prevent overwatering?

How to Prevent Overwatering Oregano

First, check the soil to make sure that it’s bone dry before watering. Even if the soil is moist, your oregano is not ready for another drink. Also, make sure the plant can drain well, especially if it’s in a pot. Use well-drained soil and use a pot with small holes at the bottom so the water won’t collect and sit at the bottom of the pot. 

Signs Of Underwatering in Oregano

On the other hand, it’s possible to underwater your oregano. Since it doesn’t need regular watering, it can be easy to forget to check on or wait too long to give the plant a drink.

If your oregano plant isn’t getting enough water, it will slowly die. Some of the signs of this are:

• Root rot
• Crown rot
• Stems will dry up
• Leaves will turn reddish or brown

Eventually, the whole plant will die, and you won’t revive it. Should you notice any of these signs, check the soil. If it’s too dry, then certainly give your oregano plant a good drink. 

Does Oregano Need Fertilizer or Feeding Regularly?

No, oregano doesn’t need fertilizer. However, if you grow it in a pot, you can add a little fertilizer to help the growing process start.

However, if you’re growing oregano in a garden, it doesn’t need the extra nutrients from the fertilizer.

Oregano is hardy and does a great job growing on its own when given enough sunlight and ample watering.

Does Oregano Need Full Sun?

Yes, oregano needs full sunlight to thrive. In a nutshell, oregano needs at least six to eight hours of full sunlight per day.

So, if you plant oregano in a pot, then you’ll want to keep it inside a sunny room in the house. Alternatively, if it’s spring or summer, you can leave the pot outside. Then, you can bring it inside at night if the temperatures drop.

On the other hand, if you plant your oregano in the garden, be sure to pick a spot that gets optimal sunlight during the day. In addition, oregano can grow to be up to two feet tall. So, you can place it around shorter plants to ensure that your oregano gets the sunlight it needs.

More Maintenance Tips For Growing Oregano

Oregano can grow well in both the garden and a pot or container as long as it has enough room to grow since oregano can grow and spread up to two feet.

In the garden, place the oregano near like-minded plants, also known as companion planting. Together, they’ll help each other grow and thrive under similar growing conditions.

You can learn more about oregano companion planting here.

Alternatively, if you grow it in a pot, you can leave the container in the garden. Companion planting will still work, but your oregano won’t grow into other plants by accident.

If you plant your oregano outside, do so right after the final frost of the season. Then, at the latest, you can plant it about eight weeks before the first frost of the season. That will allow the oregano to grow enough so that it’ll be strong to withstand the winter.

However, if you decide to plant your oregano indoors, you can begin planting it at any time during the year. When your oregano plant is about four to six inches tall, that’s when you can harvest your first oregano leaves. Or, right before the flowers bloom, you can harvest the leaves for the best-tasting herbs.

Final Words On Oregano Watering Requirements

Overall, oregano is low-maintenance when it comes to being watered. However, it is possible to overwater the plant, and it’s easy to accidentally underwater the oregano plant. If you notice that your oregano isn’t growing well, turning color, or not producing healthy leaves or flowers, then it’s probably telling you it’s not getting enough to drink.

Want to learn more? Click here to learn where to plant oregano or here to learn how long oregano takes to grow. You can also find all my oregano guides here.

Gardening Chief is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates

The post How Much Water Does Oregano Need? appeared first on Gardening Chief.

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Can Oregano Survive Winter?

The short answer is yes. Oregano can survive in winter. However, it can’t survive the harsh cold temperatures on its own. It needs some help from you. Also, there are some low temperatures that will harm your oregano plant, possibly killing it. 

There are quite a few ways to prepare your oregano bush for winter. But first, let’s talk about how much cold weather an oregano plant can handle.

What Is The Lowest Temperature That Oregano Can Survive?

When you first plant oregano seeds or cuttings, you’ll want to put it in soil that’s between 60 and 70 degrees F. Oregano enjoys warmer temperatures and milder climates.

Although, it’s a hardy bush that can withstand lower temperatures than it likes.

However, the lowest temperature that oregano can survive outside is 40 degrees F. If it’s left below 40 degrees F and doesn’t have any coverings or protection, the plant could die. On the other hand, if the oregano plant is left outside in the frost when the temperature is below 32 degrees F, the bush could permanently die.

In addition, oregano needs at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day. Sometimes, winter has many cloudy days, so your oregano plant will miss out on that, let alone be in cold temperatures. 

Should You Bring Oregano Inside In Winter?

One of the ways that you can protect your oregano bush in the winter is to bring it inside. There are many different ways for you to plant this herb initially.

For example, you can place it in your garden directly, keep it in a pot inside your house or outside in the garden, or you can plant it in a pot and then move it to the garden.

You can also plant it in the garden and then move it to a pot.

Oregano is an adaptable plant, as long as it has what it needs to grow and has enough room. So, you can certainly dig up your oregano plant from the garden and bring it inside to put in a large pot or container.

Alternatively, you can easily keep your oregano inside a pot that’s outside in your garden. That way, you can still companion plant without your oregano being inside the actual garden.

Read more about companion planting with your oregano here.

If you do this, you can simply pick up the pot and bring it inside your house. Then, your oregano will be able to grow well all year round.

When the weather gets nicer again, you can bring the pot back outside into the garden.

How To Best Prepare Oregano For Winter

If you want to keep your oregano in your garden throughout the winter, there are a few things you can do to help protect it from the cold temperatures.

Put Your Oregano Bush In A Pot And Move Indoors Or To A Greenhouse

As mentioned earlier, you can put your oregano in a pot or container and bring it inside for the winter. Alternatively, if you have a greenhouse handy, you can put it inside the greenhouse. In some cases, you might have your oregano already in a pot in your garden, so it’s as simple as picking it up and moving it around.

Try a small greenhouse to protect your oregano over the winter.

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Cover Oregano In A Cold Frame Or A Cloche to prepare it for winter

Cold frames have glass panes at the top. So, it mimics a greenhouse in some ways.

The cold frame will go over the oregano bush, covering it from all sides. It will allow the heat from the soil to rise, trapping the heat inside. Thus, your oregano will stay warmer in the winter.

On the other hand, you can use a cloche. This is typically smaller and made from glass, keeping the heat inside. However, you can also make one yourself out of milk jugs or a plastic container that can fit over your bush.

These cloche tunnels are very versatile and easily stored when you’re not using them.

Cover The Top Of The Soil With Mulch to prepare Oregano for winter

Oregano enjoys soil that’s sandy or loamy, something that drains water well.

Covering the top of the soil with mulch or shredded bark will help protect the soil, thus protecting the plant.

The roots will continue to grow under the protected soil, and your oregano will still grow as well. However, you might be able to get a little harvest from your oregano bush this way, but it won’t be a big harvest like it would be in the summer.

Also, since your oregano will continue to grow, you’ll still need to keep up with its growth. Prune the bush as needed and snip off dead stems or leaves. Otherwise, it’ll be harder for your oregano to continue growing.

Plant Your Oregano Indoors to protect it during winter

One of the best ways to protect your oregano plant from the winter weather is to keep it inside at all times. Oregano grows well outside in a garden, but it can also thrive indoors. If you plant seeds or cuttings inside a pot or container inside your home and keep it inside, the oregano will grow all year round as if it’s always spring or summer.

If you have a room in your house that gets ample natural sunlight during the day, you can leave your oregano in there all year round.

Then, you won’t have to worry about transporting the plant back and forth from the garden a few times per year.

Leave Fresh Oregano Leaves In Water

You can do all you can to protect your oregano plant from the winter weather. However, sometimes it might not always work.

As a backup, you can cut a stem of oregano leaves from your plant before the winter sets in. Then place it in a clear glass jar filled with water, indoors.

The stem will have a longer lifespan and still grow a little bit. So, you can harvest little bits during the winter.

Also, when winter is over, you can replant the cutting in a pot or your garden. 

Final Words on Whether Oregano Can Survive Winter

Overall, oregano can survive all year round as long as it’s cared for properly. For instance, you can bring your oregano plant inside for the winter, or you can take protective measures by putting it inside a greenhouse or covering it with a cold frame or a DIY plastic container. 

Want to learn more? Click here to learn when to plant oregano, here for whether oregano flowers are edible or here to learn how much water oregano needs. You can also find all my oregano guides here.

Gardening Chief is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates

The post Can Oregano Survive Winter? [Full Guide] appeared first on Gardening Chief.

Finally, we’ll go more in-depth about the many uses for oregano flowers.

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What Are Oregano Flowers?

The oregano plant is a herb that grows in the early spring or all year round if kept indoors. It’s a herb that produces leaves for many different recipes. The leaves have a strong taste.

With the help of its flowers, you can tell when the leaves have the strongest taste, right before the flowers bloom. This is when people harvest their oregano leaves. Otherwise, the leaves will have a more bitter taste. In the meantime, they pluck the flowers off to make room for more leaves to grow.

But did you know that, in addition to the oregano leaves, you can use the flowers from the oregano plant?

Oregano plants produce white, pink, or purple flowers. These flowers have more uses than leaves.

For example, oregano flowers can attract pollinators to your garden to help out the other plants. In addition, the flowers make the oregano bush look eye-catching in your garden. Also, you can use the oregano flowers in cooking.

Are Oregano Flowers Edible?

Believe it or not, yes. Oregano flowers are edible.

They do not have as strong a taste as the oregano leaves, but the flowers can still add a lot to a dish.

Like the leaves, oregano flowers can be used fresh or dried out. For example, you can dry out the flowers for their mild flavor later, depending on the season.

Oregano plants can survive in the winter outside. However, they won’t produce any more flowers. So, if you plan on using the flowers for recipes all year round, you can dry out the flowers to save them, similar to how you would dry out the leaves.

Learn more about drying oregano leaves here.

Even if you keep your oregano plant indoors, the flowers tend to bloom only during certain parts of the year. So, once those flowers bloom, hold onto them. Or else, you won’t be able to get them again for another year.

What Do Oregano Flowers Taste Like?

Oregano flowers taste similar to oregano leaves. However, the taste is more subtle.

So, if you’re looking to add the oregano flavor to a dish but need something milder, then it’s best to use the flowers over the leaves.

In addition, the flowers from an oregano plant have an aromatic scent. So, it’s a stronger smell than the leaves, which can make your dishes more enticing. 

When Do Oregano Flowers Bloom?

These flowers typically bloom in late spring or early summer. They’re small, being only about three to four millimeters big.

If you snip the flowers off to use them or make room for more leaves to grow, don’t worry. Oregano is a perennial herb, which will grow back again the following year.

How To Use Oregano Flowers

The oregano flowers are beautiful on the plant, but did you know that you can use them in many different ways?

Similar to the oregano leaves, you can use its flowers for cooking. However, even though they’re edible, you don’t always have to use them for your meals.

Use Oregano Flowers In Cooking

So, if the flowers are edible, can you eat oregano flowers? The quick answer is yes. You can certainly eat oregano flowers and use them within your recipes.

The flowers are not toxic, and they have an aromatic taste. They taste similar to the leaves, which resemble thyme’s flavor, but the flowers are more subtle. They have a milder taste than the leaves.

So, if you don’t care for how strong the leaves taste, you can always use the flowers as a substitute. 

You can use the flowers in various dishes such as pizza, salad, pasta sauce, or a garnish on a plate. 

In addition, similar to the leaves, you can use the fresh flowers in your cooking or dry out the flowers first. Drying them out will also allow you to keep them longer.

Use Oregano Flowers In Tea

One of the best uses for oregano flowers is to make yourself a fresh cup of tea with the flowers. This type of tea can be made with oregano leaves but it will have a more pungent taste.

So, if you want a cup of tea with a milder taste and a strong aromatic smell, then use the oregano flowers. Dry the flowers out first to use them in a tea infuser.

Oregano tea has many benefits for your health in addition to tasting good. For example, oregano tea can do the following:

• Aid cough, sore throat, and digestive issues
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Provide antioxidants
• Has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects

In most cases, the leaves are typically used for cooking while the flowers are an excellent substitute for tea. However, it’ll depend on how strong you like the taste to be.

On the other hand, the oregano tea will have a stronger scent if you use the flowers over the leaves. 

Use Oregano Flowers To Grow More Oregano

Oregano plants can produce a lot of herbs and have a long lifespan. So, if you’re looking to grow more oregano then you can use the seeds from the flowers.

You can pluck the flowers off your oregano bush and dry them out. When dried, you can rub the flowers in your hand over a bowl, and the seeds will fall out into the bowl.

You won’t need to worry about buying seeds or fresh oregano from the store and you’ll have your healthy seeds to grow for the following year.

Use Oregano Flowers In Crafts

In addition, you don’t need to use the flowers in any sort of cooking but use them as decoration. Oregano flowers can come in white, pink, or light purple, and they’re beautiful.

So, you can pinch the flowers off and dry them out to use in various DIY crafts. For example, you can put them together as a wreath.

Finally, you can simply keep the flowers as is and put them in a vase to display them.

Preserve The Oregano Flowers For Display

Alternatively, you can preserve them in resin in various molds to create other house decors.

For instance, you can turn them into paperweights, coasters, and more. Or, you can press them in a book or a frame.

You can preserve the oregano flowers as gifts for a friend, or you can use them to decorate your own house, especially for the springtime. 

Let Oregano Flowers Remain On The Bush

Alternatively, you don’t need to do anything with your oregano flowers. While you can snip off the flowers to make room for more leaves (to produce more herbs), you can also leave the flowers as is.

The leaves will lose some of their taste, but they’ll still be strong enough to use in dishes.

On the other hand, the flowers will continue to help your oregano plant grow and thrive. Also, the flowers will help out the rest of your garden.

The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden. They’ll help out your oregano bush, and these pollinators will also be attracted to the surrounding plants.

In addition to attracting pollinators, the flowers remaining on your oregano bush are attractive. It makes your garden look great as people pass by. 

Final Words On Whether Oregano Flowers are edible

Overall, oregano flowers are just as useful as the leaves. You can use the flowers in your cooking, in tea, or turn them into home decor for yourself or a loved one. Oregano itself has many uses and it’s a low-maintenance plant to care for. So, if you like the taste of oregano, then it’s a great herb to have at home.

Want to learn more? Click here to learn when to plant oregano or here to learn how much water oregano needs. You can also find all my oregano guides here.

Gardening Chief is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates

The post Are Oregano Flowers Edible? [Full Guide] appeared first on Gardening Chief.

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Does Oregano Go Bad?

Unfortunately, yes. Oregano does go bad. As with most food, if it sits in your cabinet for too long or it’s not stored correctly, then oregano will go bad.

However, does oregano go bad if it’s dry? Believe it or not, yes. Oregano can last longer in one form over another, but it will go bad eventually.

How To Tell If Oregano Is Bad

For the most part, you’ll be able to tell if this herb has gone bad if it loses its flavor or scent. If it smells different, then it’s most likely bad.

However, depending on how your herb is prepared, it might be harder to tell if it’s gone bad or not.

How to Tell if Fresh Oregano Goes Bad

Fresh oregano is easy to tell if it’s gone bad. For instance, the leaves are usually a bright green color. However, as it gets old, the color will begin to dull.

In addition, the leaves will become less crisp and soft to the touch.

Once this begins to happen, use up the oregano that you have if you don’t want it to go to waste. Otherwise, it will most likely be too bad to use within a day or two.

In other words, the fresh oregano won’t have much flavor to it at all.

How to Tell if Dried Oregano Goes Bad

On the other hand, dried oregano is a bit tougher to tell if it’s gone bad or not. This dried herb already looks and feels crumbly, so how can you know?

Well, similar to fresh oregano, the dried oregano will begin to lose its scent and flavoring. However, Oregano typically has a strong odor.

So, if you’re unsure if your dried oregano is still good or not, then you can tell by its smell.

For example, take a little bit and rub it between your fingers. It’ll crush the dried leaves, and if you can’t smell anything, then you know it’s gone bad. But, on the other hand, if you can smell it just a tiny bit, then you can be sure the dried oregano is on its way out. 

How Long Does Fresh Oregano Last?

Fresh oregano doesn’t keep as long as you would think. Once harvesting it from your garden or buying it from the grocery store, you’ll have roughly two weeks to use it up.

How Long Does Dried Oregano Last?

On the other hand, dried oregano lasts much longer. Believe it or not, it doesn’t go completely bad for about two to three years.

However, after six months or so, your dried oregano will begin to lose its scent and flavor. It’ll still be good to use, but the flavor won’t be nearly as strong in your recipe.

How Long Does Oregano Last?

The shelf life of this herb will depend on how well you keep the oregano and how you prepare it. For example, you can leave the leaves fresh or dry them out.

On the other hand, you can also freeze oregano leaves. You can freeze fresh leaves or dry out the leaves first and then freeze them.

In addition, it will depend on how well your store your oregano.

Before we get into the details of how to store your oregano leaves, take a quick look at this table. Here you can easily see the average shelf life of oregano in any form.

Tip For How To Store Oregano So It Lasts As Long As Possible

It’s easy to believe that spices and herbs can last up to many years. However, that’s not the case.

You can prolong your oregano’s shelf life if you store it properly. However, depending on how you keep your oregano – frozen, fresh, or dried – that will determine how well you need to store it.

Storing Oregano In The Fridge

One of the easiest ways to store oregano is inside your fridge.

Simply take your oregano leaves and put them inside a plastic bag with a damp paper towel. Make sure the paper towel is damp rather than wet. Otherwise, you’ll oversoak your oregano leaves, and it’ll have the opposite effect.

With a damp paper towel, the oregano will remain moist enough that it’ll keep in the cold fridge for a while.

Storing Oregano In The Cabinet

Yes, drying out oregano is a storing method and a cooking preference.

After going through the drying process, you can place the dried oregano leaves inside a clear glass jar with a lid.

You’ll want to cure it first to ensure that the dried leaves do not grow any mold or other bacteria on them.

For instance, you can cure the dried leaves by placing the jar in a dark corner of the room. Then, every day, for about one hour, take the lid off and allow the dried oregano to get some fresh air.

Then, look at the leaves inside the jar. If you notice mold or anything else on the leaves, you can take it out and discard it.

After about a week of curing the dried oregano leaves, you can tightly close the lid and store the jar in a dark cabinet.

Storing Oregano In The Freezer

The freezer is another great storing place for your oregano leaves. Whether the oregano is dried or fresh, you can put them in the freezer, and they’ll keep for a long time.

For example, you can put fresh oregano leaves in a plastic bag, similar to how you would for the fridge. You won’t need the paper towel this time. You can simply put the leaves in the bag on their own, without them laying on top of one another.

Then, put the bag in the freezer, where the leaves won’t get crushed. That’s all there is to it.

On the other hand, you can put the leaves in ice cube trays. The leaves can be fresh, pureed, or dried.

Fill the ice cube trays with water (or oil such as olive oil) and fill each cube with about one tablespoon of oregano leaves. Let them freeze.

Once frozen, pop them out of the ice cube tray and put them in a bowl inside the freezer (or use them right away). This way, they won’t get freezer burn by staying inside the ice cube tray all that time.

Learn more about storing oregano herbs here.

Final Words on Oregano Going Bad

The short answer is yes. Oregano does go bad. However, there are ways to prolong its shelf life. For instance, there are many ways to prepare oregano, whether you decide to keep it fresh, freeze the herb, or dry it out. Then, there are many ways you can store it to ensure the oregano leaves stay as fresh as can be for however long you need the herbs.

Want to learn more? Read my dried vs ground oregano comparison here or learn how to dry oregano here. You can also find all my oregano guides here.

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Is Dried Oregano The Same As Ground Oregano?

Ground oregano comes from dried oregano, so yes, therefore they are technically the same thing. However, there are a few differences between the two of them. 

In fact, they look different from one another in appearance. Also, they’re used for different purposes. So, let’s take a closer look at dried oregano leaves vs. ground oregano. 

Dried Oregano Vs. Ground Oregano

You probably don’t think of them being ground when you think of herbs. However, they can be ground up, and they can be useful and flavorful in various recipes.

Ground Oregano Vs. Dried Oregano: Taste Differences

When ground up, oregano unleashes a strong, spicy flavor. It almost tastes similar to pepper but will have a sweet scent.

On the other hand, dried oregano has a strong flavor as well.

Typically, dried oregano is cooked within the recipe and other ingredients. Ground oregano can be used this way as well. However, it’s also best used as a seasoning.

For example, ground oregano can be used to rub various meats. So, the flavor is much stronger.

Dried Vs. Ground Oregano: Appearance

Dried oregano is crushed, dried leaves from the fresh oregano plant. They’re green but dull in color, compared to the bright green leaves of fresh oregano. Also, they’ll crumble at your touch, depending on how dried out they are.

On the other hand, ground oregano is brown in color, similar to dried oregano. However, it’s crushed finely to the point that it’s a powder.

So, dried oregano is crispy-looking leaves that are wilted, while ground oregano is a powder-like consistency.

Ground Vs. Dried Oregano: Price And Availability

No matter what type of oregano you’re looking for, you’ll be able to buy it at your local grocery store.

Neither are too expensive, with fresh oregano leaves being the most costly.

So, you can buy ground oregano from a bottle if that’s what you prefer. You’ll be able to find it in the aisle where the rest of the species and seasonings are.

Alternatively, you can buy dried oregano if you don’t want to go through the drying process yourself.

Learn more about drying oregano leaves here.

Then, if you need (or want) to ground the dried oregano, you can do so yourself at home. In other words, you can get two variants of oregano for the price of one.

In fact, buying dried oregano and then grounding it yourself is a good idea if you like having both on hand. You can turn dried oregano into ground oregano, but you can’t turn ground back to dried. 

Ground Vs. Dried Oregano: Health Benefits

Fresh oregano leaves have the most nutritional value. However, they won’t have as many nutrients once you dry them out.

Since ground oregano comes from dried oregano, you can ensure that they’ll provide the same nutritional value.

Overall, oregano provides vitamins and minerals. However, the herb loses some of that once they’re dried out.

When using oregano, you’ll want it more for the flavor rather than the health benefits anyway.

Ground Vs. Dried Oregano: How It Is Used In Cooking

Dried oregano is often used in various dishes to add flavoring. You can simply add dried oregano to the recipe while you’re cooking.

However, this dried herb won’t look nice as a garnish. If you’re looking for something to add for aesthetics, then fresh oregano leaves will be the way to go.

On the other hand, ground oregano is also used for flavor. But then again, it’s not added into the recipe as dried oregano would be.

Ground oregano is used to rub meats before grilling, baking, or frying. In other words, it’s used more as a seasoning. 

What Is The Winner?

So, which type of oregano is better to use?

Both are great to use for any recipe as they are both flavorful and smell amazing. However, one will be better to use over another for certain dishes.

For example, if you’re cooking an Italian, Mexican, or Greek recipe that calls for oregano within it, you can simply add dried oregano to the mixture. There’s no need to ground it unless you want to.

On the other hand, if you’re cooking meat and want to add some extra flavor to it, you can use ground oregano as a rubbing. Unfortunately, rubbing dried oregano on meat won’t stick well and will simply make a mess in the pan.

In addition, both dried oregano and ground oregano have long shelf lives if they’re stored properly. For instance, dried oregano lasts up to two to three years. However, it’ll begin to lose its flavor and scent after about six months.

When it comes to ground oregano, it has a shelf life of about three to four years and will keep its flavoring.

In other words, if you’re looking for a long-lasting herb, then ground oregano might be the way to go. 

Otherwise, the difference between dried oregano and ground oregano isn’t much. Ground oregano comes from dried oregano, so they taste and smell the same. They’re also widely available at your grocery store, and you can store them easily within a cabinet in your kitchen.

You won’t get too many health benefits from either ground oregano or dried oregano, but they’ll both certainly add plenty of flavor to your latest dish.

Click here to buy ground oregano now.

Click here to buy dried oregano now.

Can You Substitute Ground Oregano For Dried?

Yes, you can substitute ground oregano for dried. Also, you’ll be able to substitute dried oregano for ground.

So, whatever you have on hand, you’ll be able to use up your oregano.

Switching dried oregano to ground oregano or ground oregano dried is easy in a recipe. 

How Much Dried Oregano Equals Ground?

If a recipe calls for dried oregano and you’ve already ground yours up, you can still use it for the same recipe. However, you’ll want to add a little less unless you want a stronger flavor.

So, here’s the dried oregano vs. ground oregano conversion. 

For example, if a recipe calls for one teaspoon of dried oregano, you can add ¾ teaspoon of ground oregano. It’s not too much of a difference but add a quarter less.

You’ll be able to get the flavor you want without compromising the recipe too much. 

Final Words on Dried Oregano vs Ground Oregano

No matter which one you decide to use, dried oregano and ground oregano are similar in many ways. They have their differences, but both are great for various recipes. Overall, it comes down to which one you prefer for your dishes.

Want to learn more? Read my dried vs fresh oregano comparison here or learn how to store oregano here. You can also find all my oregano guides here.

Gardening Chief is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates

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What Is Oregano?

Oregano is a perennial herb that’s part of the mint family. Every aspect of the plant is helpful somehow, and it’s an easy bush to grow and care for. 

This herb goes by a few other names, such as Spanish Thyme, Wild Marjoram, or European Oregano.

Overall, oregano is a plant that grows purple or pink edible flowers. However, most people use oregano for its leaves, a herb. It can also be used for medical purposes.

You can tell an oregano plant from other plants because it’s a green bush sprouting round-shaped leaves. These leaves can be harvested multiple times during the oregano bush’s lifespan. For instance, an oregano plant can last about five to six years as long as it’s cared for properly.

What Is Oregano Used For?

Oregano is used for many purposes and dishes. There are different varieties of oregano, such as Mexican, Greek, and Spanish oregano.

This herb is often used on pizza and pizza sauce, but it can be added in many other dishes.

Its leaves can be harvested and used fresh or dried out. This herb can be used within recipes to add a savory flavor to many dishes. Alternatively, the fresh leaves can be used as a garnish.

Oregano is a popular herb used in many Italian, Mexican, and Greek dishes. Also, it’s gluten-free and vegan.

In addition, back in the middle ages, oregano herbs were used as medicine. To relieve toothaches, coughing, indigestion, and other ailments, people would chew the oregano leaves.

It was believed that the oregano leaves helped with fevers, vomiting, and upset stomachs in China. 

Where Does Oregano Originate?

Believe it or not, oregano originated from Greece. It was (and still is) used in many Greek dishes. Then, the oregano plant was spread across Europe and the United States.

When the herb was used as medicine, oregano eventually made its way to China.

However, it wasn’t until after World War II that oregano came back to the United States. It was found in Italy and brought back to the states during the war. 

Where Does Oregano Grow Today?

So, where is oregano grown today?

Today, oregano can be found in the same areas it originated from. It’s often found on hills and mountains in mild climates.

This herb is native to Mediterranian countries. Also, it grows in western Asia and parts of Mexico and the United States.

Typically, oregano grows alongside mountains and hillsides. 

Oregano can be found in areas with mild climates as it’s an evergreen shrub. Oregano is easy to care for, but they have specific needs to grow and thrive.

On the other hand, you can also find oregano in your local grocery store all year round. 

What Soil Conditions Does Oregano Need?

Oregano likes mild climates and doesn’t need too much water. In addition, it needs full sun at least six to eight hours a day.

A soil that’s sandy or loamy in texture is an ideal choice for oregano. That type of soil will drain the water well enough that your oregano can drink, but it won’t be soaked.

You won’t need to worry about watering the oregano and its soil until the soil is nearly bone dry. Even then, you don’t need to overwater it. Your oregano will only want a little drink.

In addition to getting the suitable soil to help your oregano grow, you need enough of it to allow the bush’s roots to dig deep.

Oregano can be grown in a container, but if in a garden and allowed to spread out, the oregano can dig its roots as deep as 14 inches.

In other words, you want to make sure that you have enough soil that your oregano can genuinely get comfortable in. Also, make sure it’s in a sunny spot so that the soil can dry out well when watered.

Is It Easy To Grow Your Own Oregano?

Oregano is an easy herb to grow once you know what it needs. For instance, research the growing conditions and needs of the bush before planting it.

You can plant it in your garden or indoors in a container, and your oregano will do just fine. However, you’ll want to map out where and when you want to plant your oregano as well.

Knowing when and where to begin planting this bush will help you care for your oregano. Thus, your oregano will thrive. 

So, how can you start growing oregano?

How To Get Started Growing Oregano

You can grow oregano from seeds or cuttings. For example, if you already have an oregano bush, you can use fresh cuttings to grow another bush. Alternatively, you can buy fresh oregano from the store and grow a bush from that.

Learn more about growing oregano from cuttings here.

Oregano is a hardy plant that can grow and adapt in many different spots. So, you can begin growing this bush indoors and keep it inside, or you can move it outside. Or you can grow it straight from your garden.

When planting oregano outside, be sure to do so after the last frost of the winter season. If you want to start planting earlier, you can begin your oregano inside. Then, when the last frost of the season occurs, you can move it outside.

In addition, make sure you have enough room for your oregano to grow in your garden. This bush can grow to be up to two feet tall and two feet wide. So, you don’t want the oregano to stunt the growth of the other plants or other plants running into your oregano and hurting its growth.

One of the best things to do is plant your oregano with companion plants.

Adding some of the best companion plants with your oregano will allow your oregano (and the other plants around it) to grow well.

For instance, they’ll help one another and it’ll be easier for you to manage all the plants in your garden.

You can learn about oregano companion planting here.

So, when planting your oregano, make sure to map out its spot and what other plants you want it to be near, such as companion plants and other plants that have similar soil and water needs.

Then, you can go about caring for your oregano plant and watch it grow and thrive. After a few weeks, you’ll be able to harvest its leaves and begin to use oregano in your dishes.

Final Words on Where does Oregano Grow Best

Overall, oregano is a tasty herb that can add good flavor to many different dishes. It grows in many different places and is a hardy plant. So, while it prefers mild climates, you can plant it where ever you like, as long as you’re able to care for it. The beginning of spring is the best time, but it can last through the winter with protection. 

Want to learn more? Find out how to grow oregano here and learn where to plant oregano here. You can also find all my guides to oregano here.

Gardening Chief is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates

The post Where Does Oregano Grow? [Full Guide] appeared first on Gardening Chief.

After, we’ll dive into the best way to preserve oregano. But, first, we talk about a few ways to decide which is the best way to store oregano for you.  Finally, we’ll show how long oregano can last, depending on how it’s stored. 

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Does Oregano Go Bad?

The answer to this question isn’t as simple as a yes or no. Oregano doesn’t spoil, but it will lose its flavor over time, especially if it’s not stored correctly.

For example, no matter how you dry it, dried oregano can last up to two to three years.

You can learn more about how to dry oregano in the oven here.

In addition, frozen oregano leaves can last for up to one year.

Alternatively, if stored in the fridge, fresh oregano can last between 12 and 14 days. On the other hand, if you store fresh oregano at room temperature, it’ll only last about three to four days. 

Click here to read my full guide about how to tell if oregano has gone bad.

How Can You Tell If Oregano Is Bad?

When you dry oregano, you want the leaves to be crumbly to the touch. However, you’ll know if it’s gone bad because the leaves will be harder, change to a dark color, and there will be no smell or taste to them.

On the other hand, It’s easier to tell if fresh Oregano is bad because the leaves will begin to wilt. They’ll also turn a darker shade of color. 

Once this happens, you’ll want to buy more oregano from the store or harvest more from your garden.

If you find that fresh oregano leaves are going bad quickly, you might not be storing them properly. 

How To Choose Fresh Oregano to Store

Before we discuss how to store oregano, let’s talk about where you can get oregano first. 

You can buy fresh oregano from the grocery store, but you’ll want to make sure it’s in good condition rather than sitting on the shelf for a while.

Do this by peering at the oregano to ensure the leaves are sturdy and not limp. Also, they’ll be green in color.

If you go to the store to buy oregano, you can buy it already dried or get fresh leaves. It’s best to get fresh leaves, depending on your use of the herb. However, if you’re pinched for time, buying them already dried is a good option.

Also, if you buy fresh leaves, make sure they’re organic. This means they were grown without the use of pesticides.

Alternatively, you can grow and harvest oregano yourself. Growing it yourself is the best way to do it because you know where it came from.

Before harvesting, let the morning dew evaporate. This will elongate the plant’s life, so you’ll be able to harvest more in the future. 

Exactly How To Store Fresh Oregano

There’s a lot you can do with oregano once you have it. You can use the fresh leaves, you can dry them out, or you can freeze them.

No matter what you do, each one needs to be stored properly to maximize your use of the oregano leaves.

Option 1: Store Oregano In The Fridge

First, here’s how to store fresh oregano leaves in the fridge. 

You’ll want to dampen a paper towel. Don’t soak it. Just make sure it’s slightly damp. Put the paper towel inside a plastic baggie and then put the fresh oregano leaves inside with it.

That’s all there is to it. The cold and moisture from the fridge and paper towel will keep the oregano leaves soft and hydrated, thus keeping them fresh. 

Option 2: Dry The Oregano

Drying oregano is the best way to store it if you want to lock in the flavor of your oregano for a long period to come. The process is not difficult and the resulting oregano can last for years.

There are multiple ways you can dry oregano. You can simply hang your oregano out to air dry, although this can take days or speed it up by using a dehydrator. It’s also easy to dry oregano using a microwave or oven. This way, you can have dry oregano in minutes.

To find out exactly how to do this, you can click here to read how to dry oregano in the microwave or click here to learn how to dry oregano in the oven.

Once you have dried it, you also need to store it correctly. Here’s how to store the dried oregano.

First, you’ll want to cure the dried oregano leaves to ensure they won’t go bad. For instance, they can grow mold or other bacteria on their leaves.

To do this place the dried leaves in a clear jar with a lid. Then, put it in a dark corner of a room and take off the lid for about one hour each day. This will allow the leaves to get some ventilation.

If you see any leaves that look bad, you can take them out of the jar and dispose of them. Otherwise, after a week of curing, you can close the jar tightly with the lid and put it inside a dark cabinet in your kitchen. This process will help the oregano last as long as possible.

Option 3: Freeze The Oregano

How to store fresh oregano in freezers is probably one of the easiest to do (and it lasts for a while).

For instance, how to store oregano in the freezer is similar to storing fresh leaves in the fridge. However, for the freezer, you want to keep the leaves intact.

Place the fresh oregano leaves in a plastic bag, letting all of the air out. However, try your best not to crush the leaves. Then simply put them in a spot in the freezer where they won’t get crushed by other things.

In addition, you can freeze these leaves in other ways, too. For instance, you can also puree the leaves with a little bit of water and freeze that. Also, you can place the leaves in ice cube trays, freezing them. Once frozen, you can pop them out and keep them in the freezer.

The best part of freezing oregano is that not only does it last for us to one year, but you also don’t need to thaw out the leaves before use. You can simply add the cubes to your cooking.

Read our full guide to freezing oregano here.

How Long Does Oregano Last?

How to keep oregano fresh is easier than it seems. As long as it’s stored properly, your oregano can last for a long time.

However, the amount of time it lasts will depend on how you store it and how well you store it.

For example, take a look at the table below for a quick and easy look at how to preserve fresh oregano in the different ways to make it last. 

There are many ways on how to keep fresh oregano. But which one is the best for you and your cooking needs?

For instance, if you don’t use oregano too much or only need a little for one recipe, you can certainly store the fresh leaves at room temperature.

On the other hand, if you use oregano often in various recipes, then freezing it or storing it well in the fridge might be the way to go for you. 

Drying it is the best option if you want it to last for years.

Final Words on How to Storage Fresh Oregano

How do you store your fresh oregano? Do you simply put it aside in a jar at room temperature for quick use? Or do you put it in the fridge or freezer, aiming to use it for months to come? Overall, there are many ways to store this herb. However, you want to store the oregano carefully so that it’ll last you a long time. 

Want to know more? Read more about oregano here. You can also read our full guide to freezing oregano here.

Gardening Chief is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates

The post How To Store Fresh Oregano: Storage Guide appeared first on Gardening Chief.

For instance, we’ll go over the similarities and differences between dried oregano and fresh oregano. Then, we’ll talk about their appearance, taste, health benefits, and more. Then, we’ll go over how you can use each one in your recipes. Finally, we’ll share the pros and cons of using dried oregano and fresh oregano before discussing whether you can substitute one for the other in your recipe. 

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How To Dry Fresh Oregano

Oregano leaves can be used fresh, or they can be dried. Fresh leaves come from harvesting them in the garden or buying them from the store.

You can also buy dried oregano at the store (click here) or do it yourself.

So first, let’s talk about how to dry fresh oregano leaves. You can do so in a few different ways, such as using:

• A dehydrator
• The Oven
• The Microwave
• Natural Air

For example, a dehydrator, oven, and microwave all get the same job done in different amounts of time. You simply place the oregano leaves on a single layer on a baking sheet (or a microwave-safe plate) and let the leaves dry out in warm temperatures.

These methods need to be checked on periodically. The dehydrator and oven, for example, may take anywhere between four and eight hours.

In other words, you’ll want to set aside about a day to stay home with your oregano. The microwave is the quickest option, only taking about two to three minutes. However, it could also spark a fire if not watched carefully enough.

For instance, if you use the microwave, you’ll want to dry out the herbs in 30-second increments. This way, they won’t get too dried out and possibly start a fire or become too cooked. 

Learn more about drying out your oregano leaves in the microwave.

Also, you want to make sure that the oregano leaves do not cook. So, be on standby to ensure the oregano leaves dry out as they should don’t become too crispy.

Learn more about drying out your oregano leaves in the oven.

On the other hand, you can allow your oregano to dry naturally. This method will take the longest, but you won’t need to worry about keeping an eye on your oven.

For instance, you can lay the oregano leaves flat, leaving them in a sunny spot. Then, every hour or so, flip them over, so each side gets equal sun.

After a few days, once your herbs are crumbly to the touch, you’ll know the oregano is thoroughly dried out. 

Another way to go about it is to hang up your oregano leaves on twine. Think of hanging out your laundry to dry, and you can do exactly that with your herbs. This method will still take a couple of days, but you won’t need to worry about flipping each leaf over every hour.

Click here to buy dried oregano.

Dried Oregano Vs. Fresh Oregano

Oregano can be used in a few different ways. For one, you can use fresh oregano in your dishes, which means that you use the oregano leaves straight from the garden.

On the other hand, you can take the time to dry out the leaves.

But which one should you use: dried oregano or fresh oregano leaves? First, let’s talk about their similarities and differences.

Fresh Oregano Vs. Dried Oregano: Taste Differences

In most cases, herbs will lose some of their flavors once they’re dried out. Luckily, this isn’t the case for oregano.

Dried oregano will retain the same flavor as it was still fresh. So, whether you decide to dry out the herb or not, you can be sure your recipe won’t suffer from a lack of flavoring.

Dried Vs. Fresh Oregano: Appearance

Fresh oregano leaves look as though they were just harvested from the garden, even if they’ve been sitting in your fridge for a few days.

For instance, fresh oregano has bright green leaves. On the other hand, dried oregano is brown and crumbled.

Most of the time, dried oregano will be crumbling to the touch, feeling like a powder. But, on the other hand, fresh oregano will look like regular, small leaves. 

Fresh Vs. Dried Oregano: Price And Availability

Believe it or not, you’ll be able to find oregano – both fresh and dry – at your local grocery store. However, it’s more common for grocery stores to carry dry oregano because it’ll keep longer.

On the other hand, if you go to an organic grocery store, you should find fresh oregano leaves in the produce section. You’ll also be able to order fresh oregano online.

Fresh oregano leaves will be a little more expensive than dried oregano. 

Fresh Vs. Dried Oregano: Health Benefits

Unfortunately, if you’re using oregano for its health benefits, then you’ll want to use fresh oregano over dried.

Once dried, the herb loses some of its nutritional value. For example, dried oregano has little nutrition in it.

On the other hand, fresh oregano has many nutritional benefits. For example, it has many antioxidants, fiber, calcium, and vitamins and minerals.

Over time, dried oregano loses some nutrients, especially if it’s not stored properly.

Fresh Vs. Dried Oregano: How It Is Used In Cooking

Either type of this herb can be used in many different dishes. It depends on your preference and aesthetic.

For example, fresh oregano leaves look much better garnished atop a dish than dried oregano leaves would look.

However, this herb is often used in various recipes, and some prefer dried oregano over fresh and vice versa.

For instance, dried oregano is often used in Italian, Mexican, Turkish, and Greek recipes. On the other hand, Greek dishes also use fresh oregano. However, fresh oregano is often used to make oils. 

What Is The Winner?

In a nutshell, dried oregano vs. fresh oregano leaves doesn’t have too much competition. However, each certainly has its pros and cons, and which one you decide to use for a recipe is entirely up to you.

For instance, if you’re having trouble choosing which one to use, take a look at this table below. You can see the pros and cons of each herb and decide which would suit your recipe best.

Can You Substitute Dried Oregano For Fresh?

If you don’t have the time to dry out your oregano leaves, then the answer is yes. Substituting dried oregano for freshness is acceptable for your dish. You can also substitute fresh oregano leaves for dried ones as well.

No matter what the recipe calls for, you can use either that you have on hand. Also, you can use your own preference because the flavor will be the same. 

How Much Dried Oregano Equals Fresh?

Overall, you’ll use less dried oregano than fresh oregano. Also, dried keeps longer, so you can have this dried herb for a long time to come and still use it well.

For example, how much dried oregano for fresh should you use? A general rule of thumb is that you only need about one-third of dried oregano for the amount of fresh oregano. So, the ratio for fresh oregano to dried is about 3:1.

For example, if a recipe calls for one tablespoon of fresh oregano, you only need to add about one teaspoon of dried oregano. The dish will still come out similar with the same flavor.

Final Words on Dried Oregano vs Fresh Oregano

So, is using fresh oregano over dried better? Overall, it comes down to what you like to use in your own recipes. If you want to take the time to dry out the herbs yourself, you can do so. If you’re going to use your newly harvested fresh oregano leaves from the garden, you can do that too. On the other hand, if you can only find dried oregano at the store or can only find fresh oregano but don’t have the time to dry it out yourself, use what you have. The recipe will still come out the same.

Want to learn more? Read my dried vs ground oregano comparison here or learn if oregano goes bad here. You can also find all my oregano guides here.

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After, we’ll talk about harvesting the oregano bush properly. Finally, if you don’t want your oregano bush to grow so big, we have some tips on keeping it on the smaller side. 

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Why Grow Oregano?

Oregano is a wonderful plant to grow, especially if you’re a beginner gardener.

For example, this herb is easy to care for, hardy, and low-maintenance. In addition, you can grow it outside in your garden or indoors. Not to mention that it’s a better herb to grow in the summer, but it can grow all year round and will keep growing, even after you harvest it.

Not only is it easy to take care of, but oregano is an excellent herb to add to your recipes.

For instance, there are two types of oregano: Mexican and Mediterranian. Mediterranean oregano is part of the mint family, while Mexican oregano is part of the lemon verbena family.

So, they each have a slightly different flavor, but either one is great to add to your family dinners.  

How Tall Does Oregano Grow?

When oregano first begins to grow, you’ll notice that it sprouts oval leaves that are dark green. The leaves grow along the stem, in pairs opposite of one another. In some cases, the leaves will be fuzzy. However, not all oregano grow fuzzy leaves.

In general, oregano doesn’t seem to take up too much room. The bush is often rather small, but it can grow up to two feet tall if given the room. In some cases, it’s grown to be up to 30 inches tall.

Meanwhile, it can take up to 18 to 24 inches of space. So, an oregano bush likes to have its personal space.

When planting oregano, you’ll only need to dig a hole that’s about a quarter of an inch into the ground. Then, the plant will take to the soil and allow its roots to continue growing for at least 14 inches down into the ground.

Take a look at the table below to check out how much space an oregano plant can take up in your garden.

Tips To Help Oregano Grow As Big As Possible

Now that we know how big and tall an oregano plant can grow, how can we make it grow to its full potential?

Before gardening, get to know the oregano plant and do your research. Then, you’ll be ready to plant it properly and give it everything it needs to thrive.

When To Plant Oregano In A Garden

Oregano is a great plant to have all year round. If you pot it indoors, you can start planting it whenever you want.

However, even though it can survive the harsh winter, the best time to grow oregano outside in a garden is in the early spring. Then, when the frost is no longer, you can be sure it’s a good time to head out into the garden and begin planting.

Your oregano will grow best during that time because it’ll have the best chance at starting well.

Then, during the winter, you won’t be able to harvest it until the next spring. However, it’s hardy enough to survive the cold temperatures.

However, you’ll need to shield it from windy days, especially in the colder weather. 

Where To Plant Oregano In A Garden

If you want your oregano to join your other plants outside, then you’ll need to map out where you want to plant it.

Oregano makes an excellent companion plant to make herbs, flowers, and vegetables. For example, you can put it near cucumbers, peppers, squash, pumpkins, or tomatoes.

Learn more about oregano and tomatoes being companions here.

Since we know that oregano likes to have its space, you need to keep that in mind and how big the other plants will grow.

So, if you have your plants in rows, be sure to plant your oregano at least six inches apart from the other plants. In between rows, there should be at least one foot of space in between.

This space will allow you to walk between the rows to tend to each of your plants. Also, it’ll allow a little extra wiggle room for your plants to stretch out. 

Giving Your Oregano Plant The Essentials

As with most plants, they all need the same three things to thrive: light, water, and proper soil.

However, every plant is different in how much of each they prefer. Oregano is no different.

Light For Your Oregano

Most types of oregano thrive on full sunlight. So, you’ll want to choose a sunny spot for it in your garden.

If you’re growing your oregano indoors, be sure to move it to a room that has plenty of natural light. Or you can get a sun lamp, especially in the winter.

Water For Your Oregano

Believe it or not, oregano prefers to be dry. So, you won’t need to worry about watering it too often.

If you notice that the soil is completely dry to the touch, you can give your oregano a thorough drink.

Read more about how much water oregano needs here.

Soil And Fertilizer For Your Oregano

Oregano will do best with soil that’s light and dry. You’ll only need to water it once in a while when the soil is completely dried out. You don’t want it to be moist.

In addition, you don’t need to add fertilizer to your oregano plant. Fertilizer adds other nutrients, such as nitrogen, that oregano doesn’t care for. Too much nitrogen, and then the flavor of your oregano will be different when you harvest it.

When To Harvest Oregano

You can take leaves from the oregano plant anytime you need to. For instance, you can grab a couple here and there to dry them out and use them in various recipes.

Learn more about drying oregano here.

However, the best time to harvest oregano is when it’s about four to five inches tall or once the flowers begin to show. 

How To Harvest Oregano

To harvest your oregano well, you can cut back about ⅔ of the plant. For instance, you’ll want to cut the stems down, starting a few inches above the soil line.

If you want to harvest your oregano for a long time to come, then be sure to cut the flower buds off as soon as they grow. This will encourage new growth for your plant, allowing new leaves to sprout.

How To Best Keep Your Oregano Bush Small

Having a herb plant grow about two feet tall and two feet wide sounds pretty big. However, if you don’t want that much oregano or need some extra space in your garden, there is a way to keep the oregano bush on the smaller side.

For example, you can prune your oregano plant more often than needed to keep it more under control.

Alternatively, trim the roots and move the oregano plant to another place. For example, you can pot your oregano, so you have it in your house rather than needing to use up space in your garden.

Potted oregano will grow for a while, but it won’t have room to grow nearly as big as it would in the garden.

However, you don’t want to plant too many plants close together in the garden. It seems like they’ll only grow where there’s room, but it actually might backfire. For example, instead of your oregano plants not growing big, they might not grow at all. The same will go for the other plants surrounding it.

So, if you don’t want your oregano bush to be huge, simply keep up with pruning and harvesting. 

Final Words on How Tall Oregano Grows

Oregano grows to take up more space than you’d think. Not to mention, there are plenty of times you can harvest its leaves to use as part of your recipes. Overall, oregano is a hardy bush that’s low-maintenance, easy to grow, and yummy to eat later on.

Want to learn more? Find my full guide to how fast oregano grows here. Click here to find out how to store oregano. You can also find all my oregano guides here.

Gardening Chief is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates

The post How Tall Does Oregano Grow? – Guide to Growing Oregano appeared first on Gardening Chief.