How to intercrop oregano

How to intercrop oregano

Common oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) is an aromatic perennial plant of the Lamiaceae family, widely used as a spice.
Oregano is an important plant in the Italian and Greek culinary tradition; it is generally used as an aromatic plant in the kitchen. The edible part are the leaves. The subspecies that provides the best seasoning in cooking is Origanum vulgare subsp. viridulum.
Oregano benefits considerably from the intercropping technique and, in turn, many plants benefit from intercropping with oregano such as cucurbits as oregano releases substances that ward off the aphids of these plants.
Oregano is a plant that benefits from various associations with other plants in the garden or vegetable patch.
Among the associations we remember those with cucurbits, such as cucumber or melon, basil, tomatoes, peppers, various lettuces, aubergines and thyme.
Cucumber. Combining oregano and cucumber can be a good idea. Oregano is known to repel some pests that are harmful to cucumbers, such as aphids and mosquitoes. Additionally, it can improve the flavor of cucumbers when grown near them. However, it is important to take into account the needs of both plants for water and sunlight. Cucumbers prefer well-drained soil and lots of sun, while oregano can tolerate drier soil and prefers full sun. Be sure to plant them in areas of the garden that meet their specific needs.
Basil. Oregano and basil are a winning duo. They can be planted close together because they have similar light and water needs, and the smell of oregano can also keep away some pests that would otherwise damage the basil.
Tomatoes. Oregano can help repel some pests that are harmful to tomatoes. Additionally, both plants like full sun and well-drained soil.
Peppers. As with tomatoes, oregano can help protect peppers from pests and diseases. Furthermore, it provides a nice aesthetic contrast in the garden.
Lettuces. If you plant oregano near lettuces you can help repel slugs and other insects harmful to these crops.
Eggplant. Eggplants can also benefit from the proximity of oregano, as the latter can help keep harmful insects away.
Thyme. Oregano and thyme are two aromatic herbs that complement each other well and can be planted together to create an aromatic corner in the garden.
When intercropping, as previously mentioned, it is necessary to take into account placing plants close together that have the same pedoclimatic needs. It’s always a good idea to test in your specific environment and see which plants do best together.