How To Grow Your Own Fresh Herbs For Making Tea

Growing your own fresh herbs for tea is a wonderful way to enjoy fresh and flavorful teas straight from your garden. It is not difficult to cultivate a variety of herbs that will elevate your tea drinking experience, and allows you can reap the health benefits of herbs.

Here are the basics of growing and preparing herbal teas.

Choose Your Herbs

Select herbs that you enjoy drinking as a tea. Popular choices include peppermint, chamomile, lemon balm, lavender, and rosemary. Each herb has unique flavors and benefits, so choose the ones that suit your taste and wellness needs.

Select the Right Location

Herbs thrive in sunlight. Whether you’re planting in a garden bed, pots, or indoors, you will need to make sure that the plants are getting at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. If sunlight is limited, consider using grow lights to mimic natural conditions.

Prepare the Soil

Herbs grow best in a good quality, well-drained soil. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot, so choose containers with holes at the bottom. I recommend organic soil, and if you need to fertilize your plants, use an organic fertilizer designed for vegetable gardens.

Plant and Water

Plant your herbs according to their specific requirements. Most herbs like mint, chamomile, and lemon balm grow quickly and easily, so take into account how much space they need. Water them regularly but you should avoid overwatering.

Harvesting Your Herbs

Once your plants are established, begin harvesting the leaves and flowers. The best time to pick herbs is in the morning when their oils are most concentrated. Use clean scissors or pruning shears to snip what you need, leaving enough foliage for the plant to continue growing.

Drying and Storing Herbs

If you want to store your herbs for later use, drying them is essential. Bundle small bunches and hang them upside down in a cool, dry, and dark place. Once dried, store them in airtight containers away from direct sunlight to preserve their flavor and potency.

Brew Your Tea

To make your herbal tea, use fresh or dried herbs. For a single cup, steep a tablespoon of fresh herbs (or a teaspoon of dried) in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Experiment with blends to discover your perfect flavor combinations.

I recommend using a stainless tea infuser, which is zero waste and does not introduce any microplastics.

Growing your own herbs for tea is a simple yet enriching way to connect with nature while enjoying delicious, homemade beverages. With a little care and attention, you’ll have a steady supply of fresh herbs to create teas tailored to your tastes and needs.