Did you know that oregano companion plants can help make your oregano grow greener, healthier, and more productive?
Oregano is a woody perennial herb that thrives in temperate climates and loves the sun. It craves soil with good drainage and plenty of organic matter to bring out its signature flavor. But growing it together with the right companion plants can make it even better.
So, this oregano companion planting guide will walk you through precisely which plants to choose and which to avoid. Let’s take a look!
What Will I Learn?
Introduction to Oregano Companion Planting
Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together to increase a garden’s overall productivity and health. The companion plants you choose for oregano will help in a variety of ways; here are a few:
- Deter pests and keep diseases away
- Provide shelter from the wind
- Improve soil health by repairing nutrients or adding nitrogen
- Attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies
- Provide natural mulch
What Are the Best Oregano Companion Plants?
Here’s a list of the best companion plants to grow with oregano, separated into best vegetables, herbs, and flowers:
Best Vegetables to Grow with Oregano:
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes appreciate the company of aromatic plants to keep pests and diseases away. Oregano is perfect for that! It also enjoys the shelter from the wind and the dappled shade that the tomatoes provide.
Plus, having oregano in your garden will attract many helpful insects that will pollinate your tomatoes and keep their leaves nice and healthy.
2. Beans
Beans are the perfect partner for any garden plant, and oregano is no exception. They give the soil a nitrogen boost and help oregano stay fuller and bushier. It’s best to go for pole beans so you have plenty of room to plant oregano around them without overshadowing it.
In return, oregano will do its magic as a natural pest repellent for your beans. Plus, it helps with pollination, resulting in a bountiful bean harvest.
3. Black Peppers
Black peppers and oregano are a classic duo! They love the same conditions: fertile soil, full sun, and just enough water to stay hydrated. So it’s super easy to take care of them together. Plus, it’s a great combo if you’re short on space! The peppers can climb up a trellis or nearby trees, leaving plenty of room to grow your oregano.
Peppers also have pest protection quality, so together with oregano, your plants will be extra safe from annoying pests.
4. Carrots
Carrots do a great job of aerating the soil and improving drainage, which is super helpful for nearby plants like oregano. Plus, they work wonders as a filler plant between your perennial oreganos, so you can make the most of your gardening space.
In this equation, oregano will be a natural defense and keep your carrots safe from the notorious carrot fly and other bugs.
5. Okra
Okra is a drought-tolerant vegetable, and oregano is a great partner because it can also handle dry conditions. In this partnership, okra provides much-needed shade during scorching hot days, while oregano serves as a protective ground cover, helping to preserve soil moisture.
And, of course, there’s the benefit of pest control and improved pollination in okra with oregano around it.
Best Herbs to Grow with Oregano:
1. Bay Laurel
Bay is another one of those aromatic evergreen shrubs that love the same kind of conditions as oregano. So, if you’re considering putting together an herb garden, you might want to consider using bay and oregano to create a gorgeous hedge.
You can have a nice, thick bay bush as the backdrop and use oregano to fill in the gaps at the base. Not only will this hedge look great, but it will also act as a barrier against any pesky pests trying to sneak into your garden.
2. Basil
Basil and oregano are like the best friends you can have in your garden. They both love basking in the sun and prefer well-drained soil. Not only that, they also work wonders as pest repellents. And when you combine them, they create a beautiful display with a lovely texture and an incredible aroma.
And the best part? You’ll have fresh herbs right at your fingertips for all your culinary adventures!
3. Mint
Mint usually doesn’t play well with other plants, as it tends to take over the garden. But oregano is strong enough to keep it in check and make them a perfect pair. You can even put them in the same pot around your kitchen to enjoy fresh herbs whenever you need them.
Remember not to overwater, as both plants aren’t fans of too much moisture.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary loves sunny and warm conditions, just like oregano, and makes a great companion in temperate climates. It will bring more of the same benefits as other herbs, like deterring pests and providing shelter.
It’s also a great companion to oregano if you’re short on space, as its compact size and slow growth rate allow it to easily fit between your oreganos without taking over.
5. Thyme
Another super aromatic herb that shares the same preferences as oregano is thyme. It’s a low-maintenance plant that needs very similar conditions. Thyme is also great for attracting beneficial insects into the garden, which will help pollinate your plants and keep the pests away. Plus, its low-growing structure makes it an ideal ground cover around oregano.
6. Sage
A little on the larger side, sage is an ideal companion for oregano if you have the space. It grows into a large bush to provide shade and shelter to other plants like oregano on hot summer days.
It’s also great at keeping pests away and improving soil health due to its strong oils and nutrient-rich leaves.
7. Marjoram
Marjoram is a low-growing herb that looks and tastes amazing when planted alongside oregano. Its delicate foliage and subtle aroma are just the perfect combination with oregano’s strong scent. And it’s a great way to fill in the gaps between your oregano plants and add some texture to your garden.
Marjoram can also take advantage of oregano’s pest-deterring abilities, especially since it can be prone to certain insects that can be kept at bay with oregano nearby.
Companion Flowers to Grow with Oregano:
1. Calendula
Calendula is such a cheerful flower; it comes in various colors and sizes. You won’t believe how easy it is to grow them from seed. They thrive in the same conditions as oregano. And the best part? These beauties will not only add a pop of color to your garden, but they’ll also attract loads of beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and ladybugs.
The leaves are edible, so you can also use them to spice up your salads or garnish a dish with its beautiful petals.
2. Nasturtiums
These vibrant flowers come in a variety of colors and have a peppery taste, like watercress or rocket. They made the cut on the list because they thrive in the same soil and sun conditions as oregano.
They have the added benefit of deterring aphids, which can also act as a natural pest repellent for your oregano. They’re super low maintenance and make an eye-catching display when planted next to oregano.
Worst Oregano Companion Plants
Some plants don’t play nice with oregano, so be sure to double-check before planting. Here are some examples of bad companion plants for oregano:
Cilantro: Cilantro is a little more demanding of water than oregano, so it’s best to stay away from this herb unless you can manage different water scheduling and keep things balanced.
Celery: Celery requires a lot of water and nutrients in order to grow, which will be a little too much for oregano as it doesn’t have a deep root system.
Collards: Again, water is the main issue with this plant since oregano can’t tolerate wet feet, and collards love it. It can also be prone to some diseases that oregano can’t handle.
Lettuce: Lettuce likes a semi-shade, moderate-temperature environment with lots of moisture. All these traits are basically the opposite of oregano’s preferences, so this is a no-go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of growing conditions does oregano need?
Oregano prefers full sun, well-draining soil with a pH between 6 and 8. It can tolerate cold well, but if you live somewhere with a long freezing season, it’s best to grow oregano in a pot and bring it inside for the winter.
How often should I water my oregano plant?
Oregano doesn’t like to be overwatered, so only water it once the soil is dry. This will usually be about every 7-10 days. Just make sure you don’t overdo it, as oregano is prone to root rot and other diseases if kept too wet.
What types of plants are compatible with oregano?
Oregano usually does well in the company of other aromatic herbs like basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme that grow in the same conditions. You can also grow them along with okra or beans, or tomato plants that need similar conditions and are good for the soil.
What type of plants should not be planted with oregano?
Plants that require high levels of water or nutrient-rich soil should be avoided. Some examples are cilantro, celery, collards, and lettuce. These plants can suffocate oregano’s shallow roots and prevent it from getting the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Final Thoughts
Oregano likes companion plants that protect it from harsh sun, provide shelter in bad weather, and deter pests. And it absolutely doesn’t enjoy companions that require frequent watering.
If you have space around your oregano, this oregano companion guide can help you pick the right plants for a beautiful and productive garden. Pick the ones that you love as much as oregano, and watch your garden thrive!
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Last update on 2025-01-09 / Affiliate links / Some images and data from Amazon Product Advertising API
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