If you are just about to set out creating your own mini garden, you
may be thinking of what plants and herbs to cultivate. It might help
you in making your selection to have a handy guide such as the one by
Jeannie Woods called “Healthy Happy Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide To Herb
and Herb Gardening”. When you know the various properties of each herb
plant, you’ll be able to plan your garden quickly and more efficiently.
Now, one popular herb that all beginner gardeners should consider is
oregano. The name oregano connotes Italian origins. In fact, Italians
even have their own spelling for it - origano.
Used mainly in Mediterranean dishes and also known as wild or pot
marjoram (although culinary enthusiasts will attest that oregano has an
entirely different flavor from marjoram), the humble oregano is at the
forefront of herb popularity. This herb, which can grow up to 2 feet
tall, is frequently used in making pizza, spaghetti and tomato-based
sauces.
Unbeknownst to others though, this herb not only makes food taste
and smell good, but it also has centuries-old medicinal benefits as
well. It is said that even Hippocrates – the father of medicine – saw
its potential and used it as an antiseptic. The oil that the herb
contains has antibacterial properties that inhibit the growth of some
kinds of bacteria. Oregano is also sometimes being given as a treatment
for giardiasis (an infection of the small intestine caused by the
giardia lamblia organism).
Oregano is also rich in antioxidants. In fact, compared to other
fruits and vegetables sources, oregano may actually have more of the
antioxidant properties we so desire. Fresh oregano is a good source of
fiber. And, it is loaded with vitamins and minerals such as iron,
calcium, manganese vitamin C, vitamin A and essential omega-3 fatty
acids. However, since oregano is used sparingly as a spice in food, we
only consume a little of it at a time.
An an herb plant, oregano is pretty easy to grow and care for. You
have the option to grow it outdoors in a garden or in a container. You
can start your plant from the cutting of an existing one. Choose an
existing plant with a strong flavor to ensure the quality of your own
plant.
Should you decide to start from seed, that would be fine too. The
seed germinates for about 8 to 14 days. It also just needs moderately
fertile soil for it to thrive in. Alternatively, you can also grow it in
soil-less potting mixes, perlite, vermiculite, rock wool, coco peat
and Oasis form – all of which can be easily found in gardening supply
stores in your area.
It is suggested that it be planted a foot to about 15 inches (about
30 to 38 cm) apart from each other. Plant only once winter has passed.
Within 6 weeks of planting it, trim the shoots to stimulate lush growth.
Oregano is ready to be harvested as soon as flowers appear. However,
some mini-gardeners tend to pick leaves constantly during growth which
prevents flowering. If grown outdoors, it would prefer the power of the
full sunlight. If grown indoors, it will also grow well under high
output fluorescent, compact fluorescent or high intensity discharge
(metal halide or high pressure sodium) plant growing lights – all of
which are available in hardware stores (and sometimes, even in
gardening shops or DIY stores).
Standard lamps should be placed 2 to 4 inches away from the tops of
plants; high output and compact fluorescent lamps should be about a
foot away. High intensity discharge lights should be 2 to 4 feet above
the plant, depending on the wattage.
Lastly, do not overwater – oregano is sturdy and durable enough to withstand drought.
With the benefits and ease of maintenance, who wouldn’t want to have oregano in their garden? Plant one now.
If you are serious about cultivating an organic herb garden, be sure to check out “Healthy Happy Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide To Herbs and Herb Gardening”
by Jeannie Woods. It’s a book packed with all the information you need
to be able to successful start and keep a thriving organic herb garden.
You can read more about it here: http://healthyhappyherbs.com.
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