From the page: Za'atar: the Middle East in a jar
Idea 8
A za'atar herb garden
Traditional za'atar comes from three plants grown together for centuries in the Mediterranean and Middle East: oregano, thyme, and marjoram (or mint). All of them are perennials that love sun and well-drained soil — which is why they get along so well in the same pot, sharing the same water and light needs.
What you need
- Pots or cans with holes in the bottom (at least 6 inches deep)
- Regular potting soil mixed with a bit of coarse sand or gravel (to drain the water)
- Seeds or seedlings of oregano, thyme, and mint
- Small pebbles or shards for the bottom of the pot
- A spot that gets at least 4 hours of direct sun
How to make it
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1
Line the bottom of each pot with pebbles or shards — this keeps water from pooling and rotting the roots, which is the biggest risk for these herbs.
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2
Mix the soil with one part coarse sand: oregano, thyme, and mint come from dry, rocky soils, and the drainage mimics their original habitat.
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3
Plant the seedlings or seeds leaving space between them, because thyme and oregano spread sideways as they grow.
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4
Water only when the soil is dry to the touch — these herbs prefer "little water, full sun" over constantly damp soil, which invites fungus.
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5
Do the first harvest by pinching off the tips once the plant is about 6 inches tall: pruning the tops encourages branching and makes the plant fuller.
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6
Renew the mint every year or two by dividing the root ball, because it grows aggressively and can smother its neighbors if left unchecked in the same pot.
Finishing touches
If you only have one big pot, plant the mint in a cup or smaller container buried in the soil — this "invisible prison" keeps its roots from taking over the bed. Leaves picked and dried in the shade keep their aroma for months.
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