Oregano: Joy of the Mountain

Known as "joy of the mountain," Origanum vulgare is commonly called culinary oregano or Turkish oregano. Oregano is a close relative of marjoram and is also known as pot marjoram. Similar in taste to marjoram, oregano's taste is more pungent and has overtones of mint. Greek oregano, subspecies hirtum of O. vulgare, is recommended as the best type of oregano for cooking. Oregano is a half-hardy perennial that can be grown outdoors as an annual or indoors as a perennial. Blooming in early summer, Greek oregano has pink, white, or purple flowers, dark green opposite leaves that are highly aromatic, and slim, squarish, woody, branched stems. Greek oregano has a branching taproot and grows in a clump. Used the world over in Italian, Mexican, and Spanish dishes, Greek oregano is one of the three essential ingredients in Italian cooking along with basil and marjoram.

Greek oregano grows 24 inches (60 centimetres) tall. Cultivation requirements: does best in light, rich, well-drained soil; requires full sun and a sheltered location; do not overwater and allow the top 1 inch (2.5 centimetres) of soil to dry-out between waterings; pinch off flowers to keep the plant bushy; do not over fertilise. Buy young plants or take cuttings to propagate, as the flavour and aroma of oregano started from seed may be disappointing. Start new oregano plants by layering stems from existing plants. Pin down the stem, cover with soil, and keep moist until you see new growth. Transplant new plants to pots or their new location.

Greek oregano requires at least 5 hours of sunlight a day. If you are growing oregano on a windowsill, turn frequently to ensure that all sides receive equal amounts of light. Oregano can also be grown under fluorescent lights. Hang lights 6 inches (15 centimetres) above the plants and leave on for 14 hours a day.

In the garden, plant oregano with broccoli to deter the cabbage butterfly. It is a beneficial companion to all plants, improving both flavour and growth. Oregano can be grown in pots in the garden as well as in the soil. In the kitchen, use in pizza, tomato sauces, pasta, hearty soups, omelettes, cold bean salads, marinades for meats of all kinds, cheese and egg dishes, and bland vegetables such as zucchini, green beans, eggplant, potatoes, and mushroom dishes. Oregano blends well with garlic, thyme, and basil. Oregano butter can be poured over fish and shellfish just before serving or baking. Oregano has a strong flavour so use sparingly and add during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

To harvest, pick small sprigs as needed. Oregano can be stored by drying. To dry, cup off plants 1 inch (2.5 centimetres) from the ground, tie plants into bunches, and hang in a warm, dry, shady location. After leaves are dry, strip off and store in an airtight container.

Gwen Nyhus Stewart, B.S.W., M.G., H.T., is an educator, freelance writer, garden consultant, and author of the book The Healing Garden: A Place Of Peace ? Gardening For The Soil, Gardening For The Soul and the booklet Non-toxic Alternatives For Everyday Cleaning And Gardening Products. She owns the website Gwen's Healing Garden where you will find lots of free information about gardening for the soil and gardening for the soul. To find out more about the books and subscribe to her free Newsletter visit http://www.gwenshealinggarden.ca

Gwen Nyhus Stewart © 2004 ? 2005. All rights reserved.

---

Kirengeshoma palmata

Kirengeshoma palmata Sometimes known as yellow waxbells, Kirengeshoma palmata... Read More

Are There Really Black Roses?

Throughout the course of time, black roses have conjured... Read More

Make The Most From Your Vegetable Garden

All your hard work has paid off, and now you... Read More

Orchid Myths -The Truth

Here are some of the popular orchid myths#1 Orchids are... Read More

Feeding the Hummingbirds

Early in May here in west central Wisconsin, I can... Read More

Escape to Sunny Mexico - at Home!

Can't get away for a southern vacation this year? Don't... Read More

Garden Room Boundaries...

The areas of your landscape can be divided into several... Read More

Mole Traps: Can You Use Them?

Mole control is one of the most complicated problems that... Read More

Starting Seedlings Indoors

Unless you have access to a greenhouse, or something like... Read More

Why Patio Benches are a Great Place to Relax and Enjoy

Having an outdoor patio offers the opportunity and place to... Read More

Park Benches - Making the Right Choice

When most people hear the words, "park bench", they envision... Read More

Plastic & Resin Patio Furniture ? What You Don?t Know

What is the first thought that comes through your mind... Read More

Backyard Landscaping

When most people think of landscaping, they think of a... Read More

Furniture Benches Are Perfect For Every Outdoor Space

The task of selecting outdoor furniture for your natural spaces... Read More

Italian Vegetable Seeds

Some might ask, "Why grow Italian vegetable seeds?" Why bother... Read More

Decorative Garden Accents

Think of your garden like you would a room in... Read More

Teak Furniture - How to Care for it Properly

Many finer homes and businesses feature beautiful indoor and outdoor... Read More

Butterfly Gardening

Butterfly gardening is not only a joy, it is one... Read More

Lawn Care Information

Recent lawn care information reports that a lot of us... Read More

Orchid Care - What The Root Tells Us

Orchid Care Part 4 Diseases of the RootsOur final part... Read More

Roses - Creating Beautiful Cut Roses

Many gardeners like to enjoy their roses twice - first... Read More

Park Benches

One of the best ways to create a warm and... Read More

Drying Roses

There are many reasons why you might want to dry... Read More

Dont Roll that Lawn

Every spring some mysterious hormone hits the male of the... Read More

Vegetable Garden Layout

The size of your yard will determine your final vegetable... Read More

Brighten Your Path By Installing Decorative Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting can add a beautiful quality to any home.... Read More

June Gardening Tips

These are just a few gardening tips for you to... Read More

The Perfect Garden Sundial

Is it possible for a garden sundial to tell perfect... Read More

Why Teak Furniture is the Better Choice

For centuries, it has been known that teak has qualities... Read More

Wildflower Seeds - Ten Reasons Why You Should Plant...

Native wildflowers are those that were growing naturally in the... Read More

Safety On Lawn Tractors

Every gardener riding a lawn tractor should be concerned about... Read More

Backyard Ponds

Backyard ponds are a great source of fun and enjoyment.... Read More

Wild Flower Garden - Yours to Design and Plan

To design a wild flower garden, you do not need... Read More