Can You Digg It?

Common name: Oregano

Scientific name:

• Origanum vulgare, used for oil
• Origanum majoram, used for cooking

Characteristics:

• A low growing, perennial herb that belongs to the mint family
• Commonly confused with marjoram (also from mint family) which has thinner leaves and grow differently 
• There are three varieties of O. vulgare : Common/wild oregano, Goldern oregano and Greek/white oregano

Conditions:

• Needs full sun or partial shade
• well drained, not too rich garden soil

Harvest:

• Best to pick leaves in mid-morning when aroma and oil are strongest. Although dried leaves are full of more flavor than fresh.
• Cut whole stems before flowering and hang them up to dry in a cool, shady spot
• Strip dry leaves from stem and store in air tight container
• Can wrap in plastic and freeze for up to 6 months

Tips:

• Replace plants every couple of years as the stems become woody

Bunny tips: 

• high in antioxidants 
• antimicrobial properties  
• oregano oil used with eden salve can help treat weepy eyes. P

common name: mint

scientific name: mentha  

characteristics:

• many varieties of mint, but all are perennials and have square stems 
• typically upright, with light to dark green or mottled leaves that have toothed edges

conditions:

• prefers a semi-shaded position, but will grow in full sun if the soil is kept moist

harvest:

• For a tenderer and tastier leaf, pick the younger leaves near end of runner
• Leaves can be fried by placing on rack in airy, cool place. When dry, crumble leaves and store in airtight containers
• Chop fresh leaves and freeze in small packages or ice cubes

tip:

• Unless you have a large space for mint to sprawl into, best to keep this invasive plant in a tub

bunny tip:

• very rich in vitamins: potassium, vit B6, calcium
• helpful for curing diarrhea by firming loose stool and aids in stomach problems 
• decreases milk flow in does, and helps with inflamed breasts (mastitis)