How to Grow Italian Oregano Outdoors

Plant Italian oregano in the sunniest spot in the garden. This perennial prefers all-day sun and well-drained soil on the dry side. The quality of the earth is less important than its drainage.

Purchase seedlings from a local nursery, as the plant grows poorly from seed. Don't just read the plant label to identify Italian oregano; use your nose in selecting the seedlings. Commercial nurseries often mislabel this shrub, according to the Herb Society, which recommends the cultivar Oregano xmajoricum "Hilltop Herb Farm." Italian oregano has a strong, pungent, spicy aroma. If you are not familiar with the fragrance of this herb, smell a neighbor's before you head for the store.

Place the oregano seedlings 1/8-inch deep into soil after all danger of frost has passed, giving each plant at least 8 inches of elbow room. Weed the area regularly and apply an 8-inch thick layer of hay over the bed to protect against weed growth.

Harvest fresh oregano for use through the season. Cut the remainder of the plant when small white flowers appear. Hang clumps of the herb in a warm, dark room until dry. Use only the crumbled leaves in cooking, and store the unused leaves in an airtight container. Discard the stems.