This herb everyone knows – oregano! Cultivation of the plant is not difficult, so any novice gardener can handle it! Common oregano has long been used not only in the kitchen, but also in herbal medicine. We suggest how to care for oregano!
Oregano – characteristics
Oregano, actually common oregano, is a perennial herb in the light family. The herb grows from 50 to 80 cm tall and in its natural state can be found mostly in sunny places. Wild lembi come across it in Asia, North America and Africa.
Oregano is also called wild marjoram. It emits a strong but pleasant smell. The mesquite-covered stem of this plant is stiff and strongly branched with many branches. If you look closely, you will notice tiny points on the leaves of lembi – these are glands which are responsible for the secretion of an intense aroma.
Growing oregano on a home windowsill – is it difficult?
Many people give up on fresh herbs by the well-held belief that they are difficult to grow. Oregano, however, is one of the species that will not cause major problems even for novice gardeners. Growing the plant does not require any special skills.
Common hemlock is a hardy species – it does not perish even at temperatures up to -20°C. At the same time, the herb can also grow on dry soil, because it likes strongly sunny places. However, it will also thrive in partial shade.
Care of oregano
Oregano, like any plant, should be properly tended to thrive. As we have already noted, common leaf is not a demanding plant. However, its growth cannot be left alone. Therefore, it is worth remembering a few basic rules before planting this plant.
Substrate
Oreganowill do well in any soil. However, if you want to provide your plant with the best substrate, shop around for soil with high levels of permeability.
Site
Site,which you have chosen for your oregano, should be well sunny. If you don’t have such a possibility, lembi will also grow nicely in shade.
Watering
Oregano does not require frequent watering. However, it is good to make the soil always slightly moist. Nevertheless, do not under any circumstances overflow your lembi – it may then decay and you will not be able to save it.
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Fertilization
Oregano, like many common herbs, does not require special fertilization. You can occasionally trim the leaves, giving room for younger shoots to grow. If you want to strengthen the plant, use biohumus, which is a natural fertilizer that helps the quality of the soil.
Propagation
Common hemlock reproduces easily. When you want to spread this herb, keep in mind that the propagation time of oregano is around April. Pot the seeds outdoors for one week and then set in a sunny spot of the house – the windowsill will be perfect!
The seeds of oregano are very fine, so pay attention to sow them maximum half an inch below the ground. After sowing, do not water the seed area with a strong stream of water. Instead, you can spray the sowing area with a plant sprayer this will not damage the miniature bed. You will see the first fine leaves ready to use in the kitchen after about three months after sowing.
Diseases
Oregon is vulnerable to attack by spider mites-they suck out the contents of the plant’s cells. Spider mites make their presence known by weaving fine, dense webs underneath the leaves. They also often cause yellowing of leaves.The best thing you can do is to thwart the intentions of these pests in time by trying to remove traces of their existence as early as possible. Then they will not destroy your crop so much that it cannot be saved.
How to get rid of spider mites?Often all you need to do is use warm water with gray soap.Wash the leaves of the plant with such a solution, focusing mainly on their undersides. Before rinsing the mixture remember also to protect the soil – so that not too much water gets into it. You can also protect it with foil. Repeat the washing daily for about a week.
Another method is synthetic insect repellents. If you prefer to use such a method, there are many solutions in stores that help remove not only spider mites, but also other insect pests. However, there are some chemicals in the formulation of such products, so they should be used with caution and always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
How to dry oregano?
Scented oregano dries in bunches. Catch the plant near the end of the stem and tie it with string. Then tie a bunch of herbs in a dry room – the temperature there should not exceed 35°C.
Drying may take several weeks, but after that time your kitchen will be filled with aromatic dried common lemongrass. Once the plant is dried, grab two bunches of and rub them vigorously. This is a proven way to get rid of the bastard stalks so you’ll get only the most valuable leaves.
If you don’t want to wait that long, however, there are some effective methods for drying herbs quickly. One of them involves using the oven. Place the leaves separated from the stems on baking paper and set a low heating temperature – preferably ok. 35°C. This will ensure that the oregano retains its aroma, and at the same time the leaves will not burn. Dry the herbs for4 to 5 hours in the oven with the door ajar this way the moisture will gradually evaporate from the leaves. In the meantime, of course don’t forget to check that the whole process is going according to plan.
Oregano – varieties
- Oreganogolden – has golden green leaves and reaches a maximum height of 40 cm.
- Greek oregano – this variety has extremely fine leaves and a stronger aroma.
- Siberian oregano – is distinguished by its dark, fine leaves. It is native to Central Asia.
- Pasture oregano – is a perennial with small leaves in shades of white and green.
- Kyrgyz oregano – is easily recognized by its maroon stems and mildly spicy fragrance.
- Round-leaved lembi – the leaves of this plant smell like common lembi, but it is distinguished by its beautiful pink inflorescences resembling hop cones.
- Smooth lebiz – it is more spreading and taller than other varieties, distinguished by its purple flowers.
Use of oregano
Oregano is one of the herbs that is primarily associated with fragrant Italian cuisine. Its aroma is an inseparable companion to pizzas, pastas and aromatic sauces. Lebiodeis at the same time not only a great addition to dishes but has also been used for many centuries as remedy for health problems.
How to use oregano in cooking?
Oregano is appreciated in the cuisines of many parts of the world. However, it is most often associated with its extensive use in dishes native to sunny Italy. Dried herbs at the same time much more aromatic than fresh. Therefore, common lembi will work well as a seasoning for dishes with tomatoes, cheese or mushrooms.It will enhance the taste of Italian dishes – but not only! It is best when accompanied in the pot by garlic and natural olive oil.
Does oregano have a use in herbal medicine?
The controversy over the use of herbs to treat subtle ailments has been going on for a long time. Natural solutions can help with mild ailments if used with caution. At the same time, remember that herbs can in no way replace medicines. They can, however, prove themselves in preventive applications.
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Common hemlock has been used for centuries to improve digestion. It provides relief during indigestion and alleviate intestinal discomfort. In addition, oil of oregano has strong antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects, therefore, it will be good to support with it the treatment of pregnancy or fungal infection. The taste of the oil is overly intense, while undiluted liquid may irritate the mouth, so it should be mixed with water before use.
Oregano oil should not be used by people with gastrointestinal diseases. This substance can also strongly sensitize, which is why people struggling with allergies should also not reach for lembi oil. Special caution should be exercised in the case of pregnant women and children – the use of the oil should then be done under the supervision of a doctor.
Any desire to cure an ailment with herbs should be consulted with a trusted family medicine specialist. Although herbal medicine is based on the use of substances of natural origin, in some cases they can do more harm than good.It is also worth remembering that not every ailment can be cured with natural oils, decoctions or infusions.
Oregano is an aromatic, yet simple to grow herb, which has been used for many years both in the culinary arts and in herbal medicine. Used as a remedy for digestive ailments it will also serve as a flavor-adding spice. Are you growing oregano in your own garden? Or have you found a place for it on your windowsill? Be sure to share your ways – both for growing and using this fragrant plant in dishes!
