Italian Oregano 4" Pot

Full Sun

Days To Maturity 90 days Life Cycle Perennial

Height 2-4 inches

Spread 12-18 inches Sow Method Direct Sow/Indoor Sow Planting Time Spring, Summer Thin 12 inches

Planting in the Garden: Select a location (out of the way or in a container due to rapid spread) in full sun or part shade with good rich, evenly moist soil. Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 8 inches. Level with a rake to remove clumps of grass and stones. Dig a hole for each plant large enough to amply accommodate the root ball. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen the root ball with your hands to encourage good root development. Set the plants 12 inches apart. Place the top of the root ball even with the level of the surrounding soil. Fill with soil to the top of the root ball. Press soil down firmly with your hand. Use the plant tag as a location marker. Thoroughly water and apply a light mulch layer on top of the soil (1-2 inches) to conserve water and reduce weeds. Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating. Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For herbs, an organic mulch of aged bark or shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot. Keep plants well-watered during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Plants need about 1 inch of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It’s best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated. Fertilize as needed with an all purpose fertilizer. To propagate, divide the plants in spring. Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area. Harvest as needed and to keep plants most productive and bushy. Harvest in the morning when plants are dry. Harvest before flower buds form. Cut leaves on a sunny morning. Tie stems together and hang in a dry place away from the sun. OR spread on a cheesecloth or a window screen in a dry, shady location. Or dry herbs in the oven for 2-3 hours on a cookie sheet at the lowest heat, leaving the oven door open. OR use a dehydrator following the manufacturer’s instructions. When thoroughly dry, pulverize and store in a tightly sealed glass jar in a dry, dark location, such as a cupboard. Oregano may also be frozen either in zip lock bags or finely chopped in water or olive oil in ice cube trays.