Oreganos in Newcastle
Origanum vulgare
A hardy Mediterranean herb that grows best in a sunny, free-draining spot or a pot. In the UK it copes well with cold winters if the soil stays reasonably dry, and the flavour is strongest in dry weather.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Oregano
Planting Calendar
Growing Guide for
Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.
This is the easiest way to grow oregano for most UK gardens. Plant from bought plugs or divisions and you can start light picking much sooner than from seed.
Prepare the Site
1 Apr – 29 AprFrom 1st April to 29th April, choose a sunny, free-draining spot or a pot with gritty compost. Clear weeds and work in a little horticultural grit if the soil tends to stay wet.
Plant Out
29 Apr – 16 MaySet plants in their final position from 29th April to 16th May and firm them in gently. Space them apart, then water in thoroughly straight away so the roots settle.
Pinch Back New Growth
21 May – 5 Novevery 3 weeksFrom 21st May to 5th November, pinch out the growing tips to make the plant branch and stay compact. If flowers start to form, remove the tips early so the plant puts its energy into leafy growth.
Water Sparingly
7 May – 5 Novevery 2 weeksFrom 7th May to 5th November, water only when the top of the soil has dried out. Container plants need checking more often, but they still prefer a lighter touch than most herbs.
Harvest Leaves
6 Jun – 5 Novevery 2 weeksPick from 6th June to 5th November by snipping the top few centimetres of each shoot. Regular picking keeps the plant bushy and gives you the best-flavoured leaves.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Oregano.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Oregano to consider
Common Oregano
The standard strong-flavoured form for cooking, with good hardiness in UK gardens.
Aureum
A low-growing oregano with golden foliage and a milder flavour, useful in pots and edging.
Compactum
A smaller, dense form that suits containers and the front of a herb bed.
Variegatum
A variegated oregano grown more for foliage than for heavy picking, with a lighter flavour.
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