Advice needed

[Eadaoin]

I have recently taken over a plot which is in good condition but is a bit overgrown. I have a huge oregano plant/bush which has flowered but needs to be thinned out/pruned, as it is taking over the raised bed. Does anyone have any advice on the best way to do this? Should I just cut it all back to the ground where some new shoots are appearing or is something less drastic recommended? All advice gratefully received.

[sewer rat]

Hi Eadaoin and welcome to the 'Vine.
I have a large oregano in my garden and I just hack it back to ground level and it quite happily comes away again - though I will temper my advice by saying that this was initially done out of frustration and not by following any advice, but hey, seems to work for me.

[JennieAtkinson]

Mine is in the polytunnel and I take it right back too and it seems fine.

Have you tried drying any yet? I put some in the shed, but it has just gone black and gooey, but the bunch hanging in the kitchen seems to be drying nicely. OH not too happy it about, thinks its dead! Well I suppose it is really

I don't have an airing cupboard, so can't think of anywhere else. Anybody got any other ideas for drying oregano?

[Lesley Jay]

In the microwave or a very low oven Jennie.

[JennieAtkinson]

How long do you give it in the microwave Lesley?

[andrewo]

I do mine for a minute on full on kitchen towel but you can just hang up bunches in the kitchen and they will dry out too.

[Lesley Jay]

Jennie I have never tried using the microwave to dry herbs but my book says to put them on kitchen paper and give them 30 seconds on full power. Then turn them over and give them another 30 seconds. Keep giving them a blast until they feel dry and crumbley and then leave them in the microwave for another 5 minutes with the power off as they will continue drying slightly. Crumble into jars when they are properly cold.

[JennieAtkinson]

Thanks for that Andrew and Lesley. Will have a go tomorrow as I have got loads of herbs just waiting to be dried.

[pickledtink]

Sun drying is the best although not usually that feasible in Britain. However with all this hot hot weather you could certainly do it this summer.