How to Care for Oregano & Dill & Chives Herb

Amend the planting site with a 2-inch layer of compost worked into the top 6 inches of soil before planting new dill, oregano or chives plants. Avoid fertilizer applications because these herbs don't require high levels of soil nutrients to grow well.

Water the herb bed about once weekly during dry weather or if the top 1/2-inch of soil dries out. Provide about 1 inch of water, which moistens the top 6 inches of soil, during each irrigation. Cover the soil with a 1- to 2-inch layer of mulch to help conserve soil moisture between waterings.

Pull weeds by hand as soon as you notice them so they don't establish deep roots. Chives have shallow root systems and are easily disturbed, so pull weeds carefully when they are growing close to the chives.

Cut back and harvest chives when they grow 6 to 12 inches tall to delay flowering. Continue to harvest at six-week intervals throughout summer. Trim back and harvest oregano foliage by about half its height when you harvest the chives to help delay flowering and ensure the best tasting leaves.

Harvest individual dill leaves at any time after the plant has begun to grow. Cut back the entire stem to the ground when the flowers begin to open to harvest both flowers and leaves. If you prefer dill seeds, cut off the flower heads after the seeds begin to dry and turn brown.

Pull up any remaining dill plants in fall. Cut back oregano and chives if they die back after frost, although the plants may remain evergreen in mild climates.