Companion planting for oregano is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of oregano below.
Oregano is a versatile herb that can thrive alongside many plants in an herb or vegetable garden. However, some companions should be avoided to prevent competition or even damage to the oregano. This guide will cover 7 plants that are not ideal to grow with oregano and explain why they don’t make good companions.
Why Companion Planting Matters
Companion planting is the practice of strategically placing plants together in a garden to maximize growth, productivity and plant health. The right plant pairings can provide mutual benefits like pest control efficient use of space, and improved pollination. However, incompatible plants grown together may compete for nutrients, light, or water. Some plants even release substances that inhibit the growth of their neighbors. By understanding what not to plant with oregano, you can avoid these issues and design a thriving garden landscape.
7 Plants to Avoid Growing With Oregano
Here are 7 plants that should be avoided when planted near oregano
1. Mint
Mint has aggressively spreading roots and a tendency to take over garden space. If planted near oregano, mint may choke out the oregano as it invades the surrounding soil. Both plants prefer moist soil conditions, but mint is the stronger competitor when it comes to nutrients and space. For best results, plant mint in containers away from oregano.
Frequency 1
2. Chives
Chives have shallow roots that compete with oregano for nutrients and water in the top layers of soil. Their oniony bulbs also release a substance that may inhibit the growth of oregano. Separate chives and oregano to prevent this allelopathic effect.
Frequency: 1
3. Dill
Tall-growing dill can block sunlight from reaching oregano, potentially causing leggy growth. Dill also prefers slightly different soil moisture and pH levels than oregano. Keep dill and oregano separate to prevent competition.
Frequency: 1
4. Cabbage
While cabbage and oregano can be beneficial companions, take care not to overcrowd these plants. Too many cabbage plants surrounding oregano may shade out the lower-growing herb. Allow plenty of space between cabbage and oregano for good air circulation and light penetration.
Frequency: 1
5. Fennel
Like dill, fennel grows tall and may shade out oregano if planted too closely. Fennel also releases chemicals that inhibit the growth of some plants, so give oregano and fennel separate garden areas.
Frequency: 1
6. Potatoes
Potatoes and oregano have differing soil needs—potatoes thrive in more acidic conditions while oregano does best in neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Since adjusting the soil pH in a shared space is difficult, keep potatoes and oregano apart for best results.
Frequency: 1
7. Onions
Onions and oregano both have shallow root systems and can compete for space and soil nutrients. Onions also prefer consistent moisture, while oregano thrives on the drier side. Separate onions and oregano to prevent them from inhibiting each other.
Frequency: 3
How to Choose the Best Companion Plants
When selecting oregano companion plants, look for those with similar sunlight, soil, and watering needs. Herbs like thyme, sage, and marjoram make excellent partners. Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce also grow well with oregano. Choose companions that mature at different heights to make efficient use of garden space. Plants with pest-repelling properties or the ability to attract pollinators are ideal choices. Just be sure to steer clear of the plants listed above to avoid competition with oregano.
Optimizing Your Garden Layout
Proper planning is key to a successful companion planting strategy. Use the following tips when laying out your garden:
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Group plants with similar needs together. This makes irrigation and care easier.
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Separate plants that may compete for nutrients, like onions and oregano.
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Allow enough space between plants for good air circulation and light exposure.
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Use taller plants to shade lower-growing companions, but don’t crowd them.
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Interplant quick-growing varieties with slower-developing plants.
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Repeat plant groupings in different areas to maximize pest control and pollination benefits.
With smart companion selections and proper garden design, your oregano will thrive alongside its ideal partners. Avoid pairing oregano with mint, chives, dill, cabbage, fennel, potatoes, or onions for the healthiest harvest. Using these simple tips, you can create a flourishing garden that takes advantage of the many benefits of strategic companion planting.
Why does companion planting work?
Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:
Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.
Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.
Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.
Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.
Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.
Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.
Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.
What are the companion plants of oregano?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your oregano. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your oregano.
Thyme grows sandy or loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 8.0. Full sunlight and moderate moisture nurture its flavorful foliage and compact growth. Thyme provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Thyme and oregano make a perfect pair, thriving side by side in the garden. Thyme helps keep the soil well-drained, preventing oregano from sitting in damp conditions it doesn’t like. Plus, its strong aroma confuses pests that might come sniffing around for a bite. These two herbs grow well in similar conditions, making them easy partners that bring out the best in each other.
Rosemary flourishes in well-drained, sandy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and moderate moisture nurture its aromatic foliage and robust growth. Rosemary provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Rosemary stands tall and sturdy, offering oregano a bit of shade from the harsh sun on hot days. Its woody structure helps create a little wind barrier, which can be helpful for delicate oregano plants. On top of that, rosemary repels pesky insects that might bother oregano, making it a great bodyguard in the herb garden.
Common Sage grows in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. Full sunlight and moderate moisture nurture its aromatic foliage and sturdy growth. Common Sage provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, and adding culinary richness to the garden.
Common sage and oregano work together like old friends, both thriving in well-drained soil and full sun. Sage is known for keeping away harmful bugs, helping to keep oregano safe from unwanted pests. Plus, they both have strong, fragrant oils that discourage deer and rabbits from munching on your plants.
Basil, with its aromatic leaves and culinary versatility, transcends its role as a mere herb, emerging as a cornerstone of companion gardening practices. Beyond its culinary appeal, basil offers a multitude of benefits to the garden ecosystem, serving as a beacon of fragrance and functionality in both kitchen and cultivation.
Basil is a fantastic neighbor for oregano, bringing a touch of humidity to the air that oregano enjoys. It also releases natural oils that deter common garden pests, keeping both plants healthier. If you’re growing herbs for flavor, having basil nearby may even enhance the taste of your oregano!
Cucumbers thrive in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with compost, they embody adaptability and freshness. Consistent moisture and sunlight support vigorous vine growth and abundant fruiting. Cucumbers extend general benefits to neighboring plants by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and attracting beneficial insects.
Cucumber vines spread out, covering the soil and helping retain moisture, which can be beneficial oregano in hot weather. At the same time, oregano’s strong scent helps keep cucumber beetles and other pests away. They’re a great team, balancing each other’s needs while sharing garden space.
Strawberries grow in loamy soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their delicate fruits and lush foliage. Strawberries provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage.
Strawberries make an excellent partner for oregano by acting as a living mulch, helping to keep moisture in the soil. In return, oregano’s strong fragrance keeps pests away from the strawberries, reducing the risk of damage. Plus, the combination of these two plants makes for a visually appealing and productive garden bed!
Asparagus, revered for its tender spears and nutritional prowess, stands as a stalwart sentinel in the realm of companion gardening. With a penchant for well-drained, sandy soil and ample sunlight, this perennial delight thrives in environments where winters are cold and summers are warm. As a symbol of grace and gastronomy, asparagus enriches both the palate and the garden landscape, embodying the essence of verdant vitality.
Asparagus roots reach deep into the soil, helping to break it up and improve drainage for oregano. This keeps oregano from sitting in too much moisture, which can cause root problems. Plus, oregano’s scent can help keep asparagus beetles at bay, making them great partners in the garden.
Lavender thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, alkaline soil with a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. Full sunlight and good air circulation nurture its delicate flowers and aromatic foliage. Lavender provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and promoting relaxation and tranquility in the garden environment. Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like rosemary and mint, lavender symbolizes the natural elegance and serene beauty found within the gardens sanctuary.
Lavender and oregano enjoy similar growing conditions, making them easy garden companions. Lavender’s strong aroma keeps away pests that might be interested in nibbling on oregano. Plus, these two fragrant herbs create a beautiful and aromatic space that’s as pleasing to the nose as it is to the eyes.
Cabbage thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained soil enriched with compost, it adapts to pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture and sunlight foster robust growth and ample foliage. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like kale and Brussels sprouts, cabbage epitomizes the culinary versatility and natural elegance found within the gardens domain.
Cabbage might seem like an unusual partner for oregano, but it benefits greatly from oregano’s presence. Oregano’s strong scent confuses cabbage moths and other pests that love to snack on cabbage leaves. Keeping these two together helps your cabbage stay healthier while oregano thrives in the open space nearby.
5 Tips How to Grow a Ton of Oregano in Containers
FAQ
What can you not plant next to oregano?
Oregano and marjoram can cross and spoil each other as they are very similar plants. Plant them away from each other.
What herbs should not be planted together?
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Real Simplehttps://www.realsimple.com5 Herb Combinations That Should Never Be Planted TogetherJun 20, 2024 — 5 Herb Combinations That Should Never Be Planted Together * Mint and Any Other Herb. * Dill and Lavender, Majoram, Sage, or Parsley. * Sage and Chi…
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The Organic Garden Co.https://www.organicgardenco.com.auYour Guide To Companion Planting Herbs & CombinationsNov 30, 2022 — Plants to avoid Mint and rosemary should be planted as far away from each other as possible. Mint is very overpowering and can take up a lot of spac…
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Quorahttps://www.quora.comWhat herbs should not be planted together? – QuoraMar 18, 2020 — * Some herbs have different growth habits, care requirements, or chemical interactions that make them less compatible when planted together. For in…
What does an oregano plant repel?
Meanwhile, it has a strong fragrance that repels mosquitoes, aphids, and cabbage worms. To take advantage of oregano’s many benefits, plant it near kale, radishes, arugula, lettuce, beans, peas, and carrots.
What does oregano go well with?
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Oregano is a common herb used in chicken dishes, whether roasted, baked, grilled, or in marinades.
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Lamb:Oregano is a key ingredient in many Greek and Mediterranean lamb dishes.
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Beef:Oregano can be used in marinades, sauces, or added directly to beef dishes like steak or chili.
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Pork:Oregano can be used in pork dishes, such as pork steaks with pickled peppers.