Most gardeners, in addition to vegetable crops, plant herbs in their garden plots. Preference is given to forest mint, which serves as a decorative decoration for the landscape, as a medicine, as a seasoning for various dishes and as the basis for aromatic drinks. No wonder the second common name for this aromatic herb is oregano. It is also known as oregano, incense, motherwort. The bush plant reaches 30-70 cm in height and blooms in a variety of shades depending on the variety.
Features of forest mint
Forest mint is capable of producing crops, growing for over 20 years in one place. But the healing properties are preserved as fully as possible if the plants are replanted every five years. Oregano is an ideal precursor for any vegetable crop, as it cleanses the soil of pests and pathogens.
Necessary conditions for growth
The simplicity of agrotechnical methods for growing forest mint allows an inexperienced gardener to start cultivating it. The positive characteristics of the plant include unpretentiousness, cold resistance, and undemandingness to soils. However, the plants are responsive to planting in fertile, sunny places and regular moderate watering.
Overmoistening and stagnation of groundwater have a detrimental effect on oregano, as does prolonged drought.
The heat-loving plant tolerates rising temperatures well. The optimal ambient temperature for development is +20 degrees. However, in winter there are no problems with oregano, with the exception of long-term frosty weather.
Landing dates
It is recommended to sow seeds in early spring or autumn. Mint propagated vegetatively - by dividing the bush, cuttings or layering - is planted at the same time, but successfully takes root in the summer months.
Seed preparation
Despite good germination, the best results are achieved during pre-sowing preparation, which includes:
- soaking seeds in warm water for two days in order to remove essential oils from the surface that impede germination;
- changing water four times a day, which speeds up the process;
- mixing seed material with river sand in equal volumes, this procedure is necessary for uniform distribution of small seeds.
Choosing a landing site
The light-loving crop prefers sunny areas.Shading of plantings leads to stretching of seedlings, weakening of the aroma and a decrease in healing properties. Forest mint feels good on any soil. High yields are achieved by growing fragrant grass on sandy loam soils with neutral acidity and good drainage. The growing area should be moderately moist.
Sowing
Sowing seeds in open ground is carried out in May, in heated, loosened soil, cleared of weeds. Planting material is buried no more than one centimeter. The distance between the grooves is maintained within 25-45 cm. The soil surface is slightly compacted and moistened by sprinkling. Mulching is recommended to conserve moisture. Sprouts appear after 2-3 weeks.
Features of watering
Forest mint plantings do not require excessive moisture, but drought has a detrimental effect on them. In case of overwatering, the plants rot, and during the dry period the leaves begin to turn yellow, dry out and fall off. The intensity and timing of watering depend on the degree of drying of the soil. To avoid stagnation of water in rainy weather, shallow grooves are dug around the beds. Regular, moderate watering promotes the development of rhizomes. To avoid moisture evaporation, it is recommended to water oregano in the evening.
Loosening and weeding
Oregano likes constant loosening and weeding, which is indicated in the first years of growth. Subsequently, the mint grows and leaves no room for weeds. Mulching the beds with straw will help reduce the number of waterings and get rid of weeds, which stimulates the growth of oregano.
Diseases and pests
This a type of mint resistant to pests and diseases.It can be affected by aphids, which feed on plant sap, and by red glass spiders, which cover the leaves with cobwebs, causing them to fall off. The use of pesticides on green crops is prohibited, so insect pests are controlled using biological preparations and traditional methods. Treatment with a mixture of wood ash and tobacco dust in equal quantities, a soap solution, and an infusion of tomato tops or garlic is indicated.
Experienced gardeners plant oregano next to vegetables that are susceptible to pest attack, as its aroma repels them.
Collection and storage of mint
The harvest is harvested in July, when oregano enters the flowering phase. Up to three shoots 20 cm long are cut from each bush. The stems are tied into bunches, which are hung under a canopy. The second drying option is to spread the raw material on paper in a thin layer with constant stirring. Dry leaves are torn off, placed in glass jars and hermetically sealed. The shelf life of the blanks is 2-3 years.
The seed material ripens in early autumn. To obtain seeds, the best bushes are left for flowering. The cut branches with bolls are dried and rubbed by hand, after which they are passed through a sieve and dried again. Seeds are stored in paper bags in a dry place.
Application of dry material:
- The leaves and flowering tops of forest mint are used as tea leaves, a base for drinks, and tinctures. The preparations are used as spices when canning vegetables.
- Mixtures with oregano normalize digestive processes, cure sore throats, stomatitis, pharyngitis, and relieve headaches.
- Bags of weed are hung in closets to protect against moths.
Grow an aromatic herb in your summer cottage and use it at your discretion: in cooking, in folk medicine, in garden decoration.
