To understand my watering needs, you must first understand where I come from. I am a native of the rocky, sun-baked hillsides of the Mediterranean. My evolutionary history has hardwired me to thrive in conditions that many other plants would find stressful: abundant sunshine, well-draining, often poor soil, and infrequent moisture. My small, hairy leaves are not just for your culinary delight; they are adaptations to conserve water by reducing evaporation. This means my fundamental relationship with water is one of scarcity, not abundance. Overwatering is a far greater threat to my health than underwatering.
My primary demand is for excellent drainage. My roots absolutely despise sitting in consistently wet, soggy soil. It quickly leads to root rot, a fatal condition where the roots suffocate and decay, turning black and mushy. This is the fastest way to kill me. Therefore, the single most important rule is to let my soil dry out significantly between waterings. Before you reach for that watering can, you must perform a simple test: stick your finger into the soil about 1-2 inches deep. If the soil at that depth feels dry and crumbly, I am ready for a drink. If it feels cool or moist, wait and check again in a day or two.
My thirst is not constant; it changes with my environment and age. For me, newly planted in your garden or pot, consistent moisture is crucial for the first few weeks as I establish my root system. Water me every few days, keeping the soil lightly moist (but never soggy) to help me settle in. Once I am established, I am incredibly drought-tolerant. In an outdoor garden bed, I may only need supplemental watering during extended periods of severe heat and drought. A deep, thorough soaking once every one to two weeks is often more than enough, encouraging my roots to grow deep and strong.
My location drastically changes my watering schedule. If I am planted directly in the ground, my roots can seek out moisture from a larger area of soil. I will require far less frequent attention from you. However, if I am living in a container, my world is limited to that pot. I am entirely dependent on you for hydration and will dry out much faster, especially a terracotta pot which wicks away moisture. Potted oregano will likely need watering once or even twice a week during the hottest part of the summer, but always, always check the soil first.
I will communicate my discomfort through my foliage. If I am suffering from too much water, my leaves will begin to turn yellow, starting with the lower leaves, and the stems may feel soft and look darkened. The plant will have a generally wilted and unhappy appearance despite wet soil. If I am too dry, my leaves will become brittle, crispy, and may start to brown at the tips before the entire plant wilts. However, a slight wilting in the afternoon sun is normal for me; I will often perk back up in the evening. It is a persistent wilt that signals a serious need for water.
