Where To Plant Oregano [Full Guide]

Oregano is a hardy bush that has many uses. So, where’s the optimal place to plant it where you can get many harvests from it for years to come? In this article, we’ll answer that question and more. We’ll begin with why you should grow oregano in the first place. Then, we’ll compare growing the herb in pots or a garden, indoors or outdoors.  Then, we’ll go more in-depth about where to plant oregano and how to let it thrive. For example, how much water the plant needs, sun, soil, and other growing conditions oregano likes.  Finally, we’ll discuss the best time to plant your oregano so that it’ll thrive. Then, we’ll briefly cover how to harvest the plant.  Ready?

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Why Grow Oregano?

Oregano is a versatile plant that can be used for many things.

First, oregano leaves can be used as a herb for various dishes. For instance, its leaves can be used fresh within recipes or as a garnish on top. Alternatively, the leaves can be dried out for use later.

In addition, the flowers that bud on an oregano bush are also edible and useful.

Adding the strong flavor of oregano to your Italian, Mexican, or Greek meals is ideal. So, you can buy it from the store or save yourself some money and grow it yourself.

Growing oregano is easy since it’s a low-maintenance plant. So, it’s a great one to plant especially if you’re a beginner. Also, you’ll get many harvests from the bush for years to come. 

Should You Grow Oregano in Pots Or the Garden?

The oregano bush can grow to be pretty big. So, if you don’t want it to take over your garden or you don’t have much room in your garden, you can certainly plant your oregano bush in a pot.

You can learn more about how tall oregano grows here.

Oregano can happily grow inside a pot or a container, whether it’s left outside or stays indoors. This herb can adapt and thrive in different growing situations. As long as it gets the sun, it needs correct watering and ample soil conditions.

However, if you grow it outside in the garden, there might be more maintenance, especially in the colder months. Luckily, this herb is hardy and can survive in the cold as long as it’s protected well. Alternatively, if you have a greenhouse, then you can keep your oregano plant in a pot inside the greenhouse where it’ll thrive all year round.

For example, if you have your oregano growing in a large pot that’s kept outside near your garden, then you can simply move the plant inside the greenhouse for the winter.

Read more about what to do with oregano in winter here.

Where To Plant Oregano

Oregano is a hardy plant, so you can plant it in one spot and move it elsewhere later.

For example, you can begin the plant in a pot and then move it to the garden later if you want it to get a headstart on growing.

Or, you can keep it in a pot or a container in your garden. It won’t take up room in your garden but it’ll still be around the other plants and get plenty of fresh air and natural sunlight.

Alternatively, you can place your oregano straight into your garden after the last frost of the cold season.

Does Oregano Like Full Sun?

Yes, oregano likes full sun. This plant thrives on sunlight.

If you decide to grow your oregano indoors (or begin it indoors first before moving it outside to the garden), be sure to pick a sunny windowsill in your house.

How Much Sun Does Oregano Need?

You’ll want to pick a spot where the oregano will receive at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day.

When growing oregano indoors, you can plant your oregano in a herb grower with a sun lamp attached. However, it’ll be great for your oregano to get full, natural sunlight for most of the day. So, you can keep an eye on it and move it from one sunny spot to the next.

Alternatively, when planting this herb in the garden, choose a spot that gets the most sunlight during the day.

For instance, try not to hide it on the side of your house where it’ll get shade for half of the day. Otherwise, your oregano won’t like that, and it’ll be harder for it to grow.

How Much Space Does Oregano Need?

Oregano needs its own space to grow. There won’t be much of an issue if it’s in a pot. The oregano will grow as big as it can with its space.

However, if you plant it in a garden, you want to give the oregano bush ample room to grow and spread out.

For instance, oregano needs at least eight to ten inches of space between itself and other plants. However, leaving 12 inches of room in between is ideal.

Oregano stems can grow up to 12 inches long and stretch out if given a chance. So, it’s a good idea to provide it with plenty of space so that it won’t run into any other plants and stunt its growth.

On the other hand, you don’t want other plants, such as mint, to overrun the garden and run into your oregano plant. 

What Soil Conditions Does Oregano Need?

Oregano prefers to have sandy, loamy soil. The type of soil should be able to drain the water well.

This type of soil is needed because oregano doesn’t like to be soaked. They don’t need too much water to thrive and enjoy milder climates.  In addition, the soil should have a pH level of between 6.5 and 7.0. 

Should I Fertilize My Oregano Regularly?

No, you do not need to fertilize your oregano.

If you want to add anything to the soil, you can certainly add sand or compost. These items will drain well with the soil.

Fertilizer will hold onto the moisture of the water longer, which oregano doesn’t like too much.

On the other hand, fertilizer can carry other nutrients that some soil doesn’t have. Given the type of soil that oregano likes, they don’t need the extra nutrients to grow well.

If you’re growing the oregano bush from seeds, you can add a little bit of fertilizer to the soil to help it get started. However, it’s not necessary.

How Often Should I Water My Oregano Plant?

Since oregano doesn’t require too much water, you won’t need to worry about watering this plant too often.

For example, if you notice the top of the soil is dry to the touch, you can feel about an inch into the soil. If that too is dry, then you can water your oregano plant.

You can water it thoroughly so that you won’t have to water it again so soon. Then, the soil will drain enough of the water that the oregano plant will get what it needs, but it won’t be oversaturated with water. 

Read my full guide to watering oregano here.

When To Plant Oregano

When to plant your oregano will depend on where you plant it. For example, if you decide to plant it indoors, then you can begin growing oregano during any time of the year.

However, if you decide to plant it outside in your garden, you’ll want to do so in the early spring. Right after the last frost is an ideal time to plant it.

Alternatively, if you want to give your oregano plant a headstart, you can begin growing it indoors in late winter. Then, after about four weeks or so, the seeds will sprout, and they’ll be ready to move outside.

If timed right, you can move the oregano from its pot to the garden after the last frost. Then, your plant will seem to grow ahead of schedule.

When To Harvest Oregano

You’ll be able to harvest your oregano many times. For instance, the average lifespan of an oregano plant is about five to six years.

You can get one harvest during its first year and should be able to get at least two harvests every year after that.

But when’s the earliest you can harvest from this plant?

Believe it or not, you can begin harvesting this plant when it’s about four to six inches tall.

However, the best time to harvest is right before the flowers bud on the stems. Then, once you see buds forming, you can harvest the leaves.

If you want to get more harvest out of the plant later, you can snip the flowers off, leaving room for more leaves to grow.

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

Final Words On Where to Plant Oregano

It might sound like a lot, but oregano is a simple plant to grow. If you’re a beginner gardener, oregano is a great herb to start. For instance, it’ll last a long time, and you’ll be able to use its yummy leaves for many favorite recipes. As long as the oregano is planted well in the right spot, you’ll get many years from your oregano bush, so long as you follow this guidance on where to plant oregano..

Want to learn more? Click here to learn where oregano grows and here to find when to plant it. Find all my oregano guides here.

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