How to grow Oregano
in the UK

Right, so, oregano. Dead easy this one, proper cracking herb for the kitchen, and it looks grand on the plot too. It's a Mediterranean sort, but it does well enough up here if you give it a bit of sun.

Sowing

You'll want to get your seeds going in April or May, mind. Some varieties, like I say, prefer a warm start indoors, maybe on a windowsill or in the greenhouse if you've got one. Just scatter 'em thinly on top of some damp compost, then cover with a tiny bit more, just a whisper. Keep the tray somewhere warm, 18-20°C is grand, and they'll be up in a couple of weeks. Others can go straight outside once the soil warms up a bit. You can always pick up plug plants if you're a bit late or fancy a head start, too.

Growing on

Once your little seedlings have got a couple of proper leaves, you can prick 'em out gently into individual pots. Let 'em grow on a bit, get strong. Then, when the risk of a late frost has passed – usually mid-to-late May up here, earlier down south – it's time to get 'em outside. Remember to harden 'em off first, mind, don't just chuck 'em out. Pop 'em about 20-30 cm apart in a sunny spot. Some of the smaller varieties, like 'Compacta Greek', do cracking in a pot on the patio, you know what I mean.

Looking after it

Oregano's not too fussy, to be honest. It likes a bit of sun and well-drained soil, so don't let it sit in puddles. Water it when the top inch or so of soil feels dry, especially when it's just getting established. You don't usually need to feed it much; it's quite happy ticking along. Pinching out the flower buds will keep it bushy and stop it going to seed too quickly, giving you more lovely leaves to pick.

What goes wrong

Now, like with most things on the plot, you might get the odd slug or snail having a munch, especially when the plants are small. Keep an eye out and pick 'em off. Aphids can sometimes be a bother too, particularly on the new growth; a quick spray with some soapy water usually sorts 'em. Planting marigolds or nasturtiums nearby can sometimes help keep the pests away, which is always worth a try, I reckon.

Harvest

You'll be ready to start picking your oregano from about July through to September, roughly 90 days after sowing. Just snip off the stems with sharp scissors, leaving a few leaves at the bottom so it can regrow. It's best used fresh, but if you've got a proper glut, you can dry the leaves by hanging bunches upside down in a cool, dry place. Once dried, strip the leaves and store 'em in an airtight jar; they'll keep for ages.