Oregano is a hardy perennial that grows 2 to 2 1/2 feet tall and produces 3- to 4-inch clusters of small, white flowers in summer and fall. The leaves are used for flavoring, beverages, and in perfumes.

Oregano seeds germinate best when they are sown indoors in flats or cold frames in early spring for transfer outdoors when temperatures remain above 45°. They can also be sown directly in the garden when temperatures remain above 45°.

Oregano can be grown outdoors in the open garden once the temperature averages above 45°.Oregano needs full sun and do best in light, dry, well-drained, somewhat alkaline soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. Cover the seeds with no more than 1/16 inch of soil. They usually germinate in eight to 10 days. When the plants are 2 to 3 inches high, thin or transplant them to stand 8 to 15 inches apart, or plant them in large enouth sized pots to accomidate full grown plants on your patio.

During the early stages of development, control weeds by cultivating around the base of the plants and water only when leaves begin to wilt. When the plants are 6 inches high, pinch back the tops to encourage branching and bushy growth. Leaves and stem tips of oregano can be cut for use as soon as the plants are 4 to 5 inches high, but their flavor is best after the flower buds form, just before flowering.

To harvest, cut the stem tops down to the first two sets of leaves. New stems and shoots will grow, producing second and sometimes third crops. Dry the leaves in a warm, dry, shaded place, and store them in an airtight container.

Oregano is good for you! The next time you order a pizza ask for extra oregano. Recent research from the US has found that oregano is higher in antioxidants than many other fruits and vegetables previously thought to be among the best sources. According to the study which looked at antioxidant activity per gram (fresh weight),oregano has 42 times more than apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more than oranges and four times more than blueberries! Other herbs found to be high in antioxidants include dill, thyme, rosemary and peppermint.

For Fun ~
Buy a bottle of Oregano at the store (preferably a health food store). It will have some seeds in it, sift these out or sow everything, flakes and all. The result will be quite a variety of different plants. Simply select those with the desired aroma and strength.

Lime Chicken Soft Tacos

Recipe from Allrecipes, Submitted by Marissa Wright

1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast meat - cubed
1/8 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 lime, juiced
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 (6 inch) flour tortillas
1 tomato, diced
1/4 cup shredded lettuce
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup salsa

Directions

Saute chicken in a medium saucepan over medium high heat for about 20 minutes. Add vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt, pepper, green onion, garlic and oregano. Simmer for an extra 10 minutes.

Heat an iron skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the pan, warm, and turn over to heat the other side. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Serve lime chicken mixture in warm tortillas topped with tomato, lettuce, cheese and salsa.