How to Grow and Harvest Oregano

Here’s our quick guide to growing oregano. For more details, keep reading below.

• Sunlight: Plant oregano in full sun.
• Soil: Make sure the soil is well-drained. Prepare garden beds by adding Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil, or use Miracle-Gro Organic™ Outdoor Potting Mix if growing in outdoor containers.
• Planting: Start with vigorous, young oregano plants, like those from Bonnie Plants, for an earlier harvest.
• Watering: Water thoroughly when you plant, then consistently through the season.
• Feeding: Feed your plants with Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Purpose Plant Food (or Miracle-Gro Organic™ Plant Food for a feed-as-you-water option).
• Harvesting & Pruning: Prune plants in the spring after new growth appears, and snip leaves as needed for fresh use or drying. 

Fresh oregano adds incredible depth and flavor to countless dishes, from pasta to salads. This easy-to-grow, sun-loving herb is a perennial in zones 5 and warmer, meaning it will come back each year. In warmer areas, it remains evergreen year-round, but, in cooler areas, it will die back in the winter and then re-grow vigorously in the spring. A little goes a long way, as oregano spreads easily—just a couple of plants will give you plenty for your kitchen! Here’s how to grow it in your garden.

Where and How to Plant Oregano

Oregano needs a spot that gets 6 to 8 hours of full sun per day. Give your oregano plants the best start by planting them in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.

• For in-ground gardens: Mix 3 inches of Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil into the top 6 inches of your native soil.
• For raised beds: Fill your beds with Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil.
• For outdoor containers: Use light-weight Miracle-Gro Organic™ Outdoor Potting Mix, which is perfect for outdoor pots.

While you can grow oregano from seed, the easiest path to success is starting with young plants, like those from Bonnie Plants. Plant them in the spring after the last frost has passed. When planting, make sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil so the stem doesn't get buried. Give them space to spread out by planting them 12 to 18 inches apart in the garden. If using a pot, choose one that is at least 14 inches wide and has a drainage hole. Water thoroughly after planting.

If you do decide to grow your oregano from seed, start 4 to 6 weeks prior to the last expected frost in your area. For more information on seed starting, check out this guide to starting seeds indoors.

How to Grow and Care for Oregano 

With your oregano planted, a little care will keep it thriving.

• Watering: Water new plants once or twice per week for the first few weeks. Once established, oregano is quite drought-tolerant. It doesn’t like soggy soil, so always check that the top inch of soil is dry before watering again.
• Mulching: A 3-inch layer of mulch (like Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Natural Mulch, straw, or shredded leaves) will help keep soil moist and stop weeds from popping up.
• Feeding: Oregano doesn't need a lot of food. Feed it with Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Purpose Plant Food (or Miracle-Gro Organic™ Plant Food for a feed-as-you-water option) according to the label directions to give it a steady supply of nutrients over time.
• Pruning: Oregano is a fast grower and can get woody if left alone. To encourage tender, flavorful new growth, prune the plant regularly. In the spring, cut back the top two-thirds of the plant once new growth appears. Continue to harvest stems regularly throughout the season (up to one-third of the plant at a time) to keep your oregano producing tender new growth. Always water your oregano plants after pruning.

How to Harvest and Use Oregano

Harvest oregano by snipping stems with kitchen shears as needed. Fresh oregano offers a vibrant, delicate flavor, which is best preserved by adding it in the last few minutes of cooking.

To dry oregano, tie stems into bundles and hang them upside down in a cool, dry spot. Dried oregano has a more concentrated, earthy flavor that stands up well to longer cooking times.

Ready to start growing oregano? With these tips, you’re ready to get started in your garden. Happy planting!