How To Grow Oregano At Home

Oregano is a staple herb in Mediterranean cuisine, loved for its bold, earthy flavour. While many people rely on dried oregano, growing fresh oregano at home takes your cooking to the next level. The good news? It’s incredibly easy to cultivate this aromatic herb, whether in pots, garden beds, or even on a sunny kitchen windowsill. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about growing oregano successfully at home.

Varieties of Oregano –  Herb Greek Oregano

Known for having the best flavour, this variety is a must-have for any herb garden. It’s wonderfully aromatic, perfect for adding depth to everything from fresh salads to slow-cooked sauces. Plus, it’s tough, low-maintenance, and thrives just about anywhere—whether in a pot on your windowsill or out in the garden, reaching up to 60cm tall. Once you’ve grown and tasted fresh Greek oregano, you’ll never go back to supermarket alternatives!

Why Grow Oregano?

Growing oregano at home comes with a wealth of benefits:

• Fresh flavour – Homegrown oregano has a more intense, complex taste than dried oregano.
• Cost-effective – Instead of buying herbs repeatedly, a single plant can provide a continuous supply.
• Low maintenance – Oregano is a hardy, drought-tolerant herb that thrives with minimal care.
• Pollinator-friendly – When left to flower, oregano attracts bees and beneficial insects to your garden.
• Versatile use – Fresh oregano enhances everything from pizzas to marinades and salad dressings.

Where to Plant Oregano?

Oregano thrives in warm, sunny spots with well-draining soil. Ideal locations include:

• Herb gardens – Perfect for companion planting with basil, rosemary, and thyme.
• Pots and containers – Great for small spaces and balconies, plus easy to move indoors in winter.
• Raised beds – Ensure good drainage and make harvesting more convenient.
• Windowsills – A south-facing window provides the necessary sunlight for indoor growth.

When to Plant Oregano?

Oregano is best planted in spring after the last frost, allowing it to establish strong roots before summer. However, if you’re starting oregano indoors, you can grow it year-round.

Growing Oregano Indoors

To grow oregano indoors:

• Use a pot with good drainage and fill it with well-draining compost.
• Sow seeds or plant oregano seedlings about 1cm deep.
• Place the pot in a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of direct light.
• Water sparingly—let the soil dry slightly between watering.
• Harvest leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth.

Tips for Caring for Oregano –

Growing oregano is easy, but following these tips will ensure a thriving, productive plant.

Sun Spots

Oregano loves full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours daily. If growing indoors, use a grow light if natural sunlight is insufficient.

Shelter

While oregano is hardy, it benefits from shelter against strong winds, which can dry out the plant quickly.

Watering

Oregano is drought-tolerant and prefers drier soil. Water only when the topsoil feels dry—overwatering can lead to root rot.

Soil Health

Well-draining, slightly alkaline soil is ideal. If your garden soil is heavy, add sand or perlite to improve drainage.

Protecting from Frost

Oregano can survive mild frosts but struggles in harsh winters. Protect outdoor plants with mulch or bring potted plants indoors.

Pot Grown vs Bed Planting

• Pot-grown oregano is easier to control, move indoors, and requires more frequent watering.
• Bed planting allows for larger, more vigorous plants but requires proper spacing (about 12 inches apart) to avoid overcrowding.

How to Use Fresh Oregano –

Fresh oregano can be used in a variety of ways:

• Sprinkle fresh leaves over pizzas and pasta.
• Blend into marinades for meats and vegetables.
• Infuse in olive oil for a fragrant dressing.
• Add to soups and stews for a deep, herbal flavour.

Buy Your Oregano Seeds from She Grows Veg

Ready to start growing your own oregano? Browse our selection of high-quality, heirloom herb seeds and enjoy fresh, homegrown herbs all year round!