15 Best Companion Plants for Oregano (What Grows Well with Oregano?)
If you are planning on growing oregano, you may want to know the best companion plants for oregano. So, in this article, we are taking a look at what to plant with oregano and what not to plant with oregano.
Herbs make great companions for a number of other plants including vegetables, fruits, flowers and other herbs.
However, like any other plant not all herbs can be planted with all plants. Oregano is an herb that pairs well with many other plants offering benefits to those plants they are planted next to.
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What to Plant with Oregano – 15 Good Oregano Companion Plants
If you are planning on using oregano as a companion for other plants in your garden it helps to know what plants this herb can be paired with and what benefits such pairings offer.
Here is a look at some of the plants that make great companion plants for oregano.
Cabbage Family
Cabbage and other members of the cabbage family such as broccoli, cauliflower, Kohlrabi and kale are highly susceptible to cabbage moths and butterflies as well as worms, which can destroy your cabbage and cabbage related crops.
The pungent scent of oregano can repel these pests, thus increasing your yield for these tasty vegetables.
Because plants in the cabbage family may require a more moisture soil than oregano, it is best to plant the oregano in containers and set the containers near to these types of plants.
Basil
Both basil and oregano have similar soil and watering requirements and both have a pungent aroma that repels pest. Planting these two herbs close to one another will keep both herbs pest free.
Asparagus
When oregano is planted near asparagus it can be beneficial for the asparagus since the herb can repel a Nematode (type of worm).
Peppers
Planting chili or bell peppers with oregano is mutually beneficial for both crops. The peppers improve the flavor of oregano and the oregano keeps pests away from the pepper crop.
Grapes
Grapes attract a lot of different pests that destroy your fruit. Planting oregano next to your grape vine can repel a majority of these pests.
Thyme
Thyme and oregano make excellent companion plants. Oregano helps to get rid of pests that could harm your thyme and the thyme makes oregano more flavorful.
Beans
Beans and oregano also make great companion plants. Oregano repels aphids that are attracted to your beans and beans add nutrient to the soil that oregano needs.
Strawberries
Oregano will rid your strawberries of pest without robbing your berries of the nutrients they need.
By planting your oregano between your strawberry plants, you can create a shield for your fruit.
Watermelon
Oregano and watermelon make good companions with the watermelon benefiting more from the oregano rather than vice versa. The flowers of the oregano attract pollinators, which benefit the watermelon.
Because watermelon needs moisture soil than your oregano plant, it is best to plant your oregano in containers and place them near the watermelon.
Tomato Plants
The tomato plant is one of those plants that pairs well with a number of herbs. Oregano not only works as a determent to pests that will attack your tomatoes, its flowers also attract pollinators to your plant, helping to increase your yield.
Squash and Zucchini
Oregano makes a good companion for both squash and zucchini and benefits these two plants by repelling harmful pests so that your plants can remain healthy.
What Not to Plant with Oregano
There are some plants that simply don’t do well when planted next to oregano. Some of these plants include:
- Basil
- Chives
- Cilantro
- Mint
These plants prefer moisture soil than what oregano can tolerate.
Types of Oregano
There are many different types of oregano you can grow in your garden and here is a brief look at some of the different varieties of oregano you can choose from.
Common Oregano
Common oregano is one of the most grown and used types of oregano. This herb works in both cooking and baking. Common oregano works especially well in tomato-based dishes, soups and casseroles.
This type of oregano has square stems and small light green fragrant leaves and pink, purple or white flowers for summer. When this herb is grown in hot and dry conditions, the flavor and scent is more pronounced.
Greek Oregano
Greek oregano is popular in Greek, Italian, and Spanish cuisine. This herb is similar to common oregano, but it has darker leaves.
Greek oregano is used in Pizza, spaghetti, and Lasagna as well as meats, fish, egg dishes, cheese and salads. Many people believe Greek oregano is more flavorful than common oregano.
Syrian Oregano
Syrian oregano is a fast growing variety of oregano with a strong spicy flavor. This herb has hairy stems with lots of gray/green leaves.
This plant grows in dense clumps and can grow to a height of 4.5 feet. It likes hot temperatures and lots of lights. This type of oregano is often used in Middle Eastern dishes due to its spicy taste. It is also often used in place of common oregano.
Cuban Oregano
Cuban oregano is a member of the deadnettle family and has thick fuzzy leaves and a pungent, but pleasant odor. This herb has trumpet shaped flowers that can be lavender, pink or white.
Cuban oregano also goes by such names as Spanish oregano and Mexican mint. This herb is best grown in warm climates as it is a frost tender herb. It is used in many Cuban dishes as well as soups, stews and stuffing for poultry.
Italian Oregano
Italian oregano is a cross between common oregano and sweet Marjoram. This herb has large bright green leaves with small pink flowers.
It has a sweeter and more delicate flavor than the normal oregano and is often an ingredient in soups, pasta dishes and tomato-based sauces. This is an easy summer plant to grow.
Golden Oregano
Golden oregano is another popular type of oregano. This herb tends to be found at Farmer’s Markets. It has a sweet aroma and spicy flavor. Golden oregano has woody stems, small oval leaves and pink flowers.
This variation of this herb has a distinctive golden hue. It is extremely easy to grow. Golden oregano has a subtle flavor and is used in zesty Italian and Mexican cuisine. It is used in tomato-based sauces, stews, soups, salads and casseroles.
Mexican Bush Oregano
Mexican bush oregano is a perennial herb native to Mexico, but also grows well in the Texas heat as well as other hot areas.
However, this plant can grow in various conditions, and has attractive flowers that will beautify your garden. It is easy to care for and drought tolerant. Mexican bush oregano is great when added to salsa, beans, soups and tacos.
Final Thoughts on What to Plant with Oregano
Knowing what plants make the best companions for oregano will help you improve the planning of your garden and may well increase your yield of fruits, vegetables and herbs.
