Oregano is a wonderfully tasty medicinal herb, that grows exceptionally well here in Fresno. Which means, we have tons to use as “ Nurse Plants,” for our vegetative pals who feel a little under the weather when temperatures soar above 100 F. Last year we hit 115 and Stephanie and I weren’t the only ones wilting.

Just in case you have never heard of a nurse plant, ( I know I hadn’t until a couple years ago) I’m borrowing Wikipedia’s definition.

“ A nurse plant is one that serves the ecological role of helping seedlings establish themselves, and of protecting young plants from harsh conditions. This effect is particularly well studied among plant communities in xericenvironments.”

Additionally, oregano is a great companion plant which can help discourage destructive garden pests from turning your garden into their personal All You Can Eat buffet.