Holly's Homestead — Perennial Herb
Oregano
Origanum vulgare · Mint family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Herbaceous perennial
MATURITY Usable from 8 weeks
TYPE Herbaceous perennial
MATURITY Usable from 8 weeks
Sun
Full sun
Water
Low–moderate
Soil pH
6.0–8.0
Spacing
30–40cm
Depth
as per pot
01Spreads readily
Oregano forms a spreading mat and can be divided every couple of years to make new plants or fill more garden space, much like mint but far less invasive.
02Planting
Method
Plant from a nursery pot, or divide an established clump.
Soil
Free-draining, tolerates poor soil.
Timing
Plant in spring or autumn.
03Growing care
- Water sparingly once established.
- Trim back after flowering to keep growth fresh.
- Divide clumps every 2–3 years to renew vigour.
- Harvest regularly — this encourages bushier growth.
04Problems
- Root rot — from overwatering; let it dry between waterings.
- Powdery mildew — crowded, humid conditions; space well.
- Spreading beyond bounds — divide and contain if needed.
- Few other issues — a hardy, easy herb.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Usable year-round once established; flavour is strongest before flowering.
Method
Snip stems as needed.
Curing
Air-dry hanging in small bunches.
Storage
Fresh in the fridge a week or so; dried, airtight for a year or more.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
TomatoCapsicumCabbageAvoid nearby
None majorRotation note
Not applicable — long-lived perennial.