Oregano, also known as marjoram

Oregano bears tiny pink flowers in summer.

How to grow 
Although dried oregano is widely available, you’ll struggle to find fresh leaves in the shops so it’s well worth growing your own. Buy small plants of named varieties from the garden centre in March.

How to care for oregano  
Oregano likes a warm sunny spot with light, well-drained soil. It’s perfect for containers. Be sure not to over water and give variegated types some shade at midday. Cut back after flowering and feed with a liquid fertiliser.

How to harvest 
Pick the leaves whenever you need them for using fresh, and dry some for later use. Tie cut stems in a bunch and hang in the kitchen to dry. Crumble the dried leaves off the stalks and store in an airtight container.

Recomended varieties 

Try wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare) in the green-leafed form. Also try golden oregano (O. vulgare ‘Aureum’) and compact oregano (O. vulgare ‘Compactum’) with its golden-green foliage. ‘Country Cream’ has cream and green leaves.