If you’re one of the many people who love the taste of oregano, you might be tempted to grow your own. But before you do, there are a few things you should know. Oregano is a notoriously finicky plant, and if you don’t take care of it properly, you’ll end up with a scraggly, underwhelming crop. Here are the most common mistakes people make with oregano plants, and how to avoid them.
The most common mistakes with oregano plants are overwatering, over-fertilizing, pruning, poor soil, and not enough light for the plant. These mistakes can easily be avoided by following the solution in this article.
If you want to know how to grow oregano then consider reading our “how to grow oregano” guide right here.
What are the most common mistakes that can cause Oregano plants to suffer or die?
Overwatering
Oregano can be easily overwatered because it is a very porous herb.
Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases, which can kill the plant.
When you water oregano, the water will quickly fill up the little pores in the leaves and stems of the plant.
If you water oregano too much, the plant will start to rot.
You can detect overwatering by looking for yellow or brown leaves on the plant.
To avoid overwatering, make sure to only water oregano when the soil is dry.
In hot weather, oregano may need to be watered more frequently.
Fertilizing
Too much fertilizer can burn the plant’s roots and leaves. Oregano plants only need to be fertilized once a month.
Fertilizing can kill an oregano plant if too much fertilizer is used or if the fertilizer is not the perfect fertilizer for oregano.
The perfect fertilizer for oregano is a slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and low in nitrogen. Too much nitrogen in the fertilizer can cause the leaves of the oregano plant to turn yellow. Oregano should be fertilized once a month during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning can stunt the growth of oregano by preventing the plant from putting out new growth. This can be a problem because oregano is a fast-growing plant and pruning can slow it down.
Only prune oregano plants when necessary, such as when removing dead or diseased leaves.
Planting in Poor Soil
Oregano plants need well-drained, fertile soil to thrive.
If soil is too dense, sandy, or poor in general, it can affect the oregano plant’s ability to uptake nutrients and water. This can lead to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and eventually death. The best soil for oregano is a well-drained, sandy loam with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
Not enough light
An oregano plant needs at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, but preferably 8 hours. They can tolerate some shade, but too much shade will make the plants leggy and produce fewer leaves.
The best spot for oregano in the garden is in an area that gets full sun in the morning but has some afternoon shade.
In the house, a south-facing window is ideal.
If an oregano plant does not get enough light, it will have fewer leaves and the leaves will be smaller than normal.
Not seeing pests and diseases
There are several pests such as aphids, whiteflies, beetles, spider mites, and other insects that can cause issues. If the oregano plant shows any signs of distress such as brown or yellow spots, you should check the bottom side of the leaves. Pests often hide there. Most pests can be removed by hand or with water. In some cases, insecticides are necessary.
Possible diseases are for example powdery mildew. This can be treated by removing infected leaves and using fungicides.
Harvesting oregano too early or too late
If oregano is harvested too early, the plant may not have had a chance to develop all of its oils and flavors. If it is harvested too lightly, the plant may not have had a chance to produce a full crop.
Storing oregano improperly
Storing oregano improperly might be a problem because it can cause the herb to lose its flavor and become less potent. If oregano is stored in a humid or moist environment, it can also grow mold which can make it unsafe to consume.
Be sure to store oregano in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Drying oregano properly is essential for preserving its flavor and quality. Be sure to dry the oregano slowly and out of direct sunlight for the best results