If you prefer tea, now is the time to cultivate your own and enjoy fresh cups with intense flavors and a variety of therapeutic properties. You will also be taking care of your health and the environment in this manner.
But hold on! Before we begin, it’s crucial to note that authentic tea only comes from the Camellia species (Camellia sinensis), from which green, black, white, oolong, and other varieties of tea are produced. Infusions or chalks are the ones that don’t come from it, despite we name them tea in Mexico and other places.
To cultivate your own herb and tea garden in a tiny space, follow these guidelines.
The Plantation
The tea tree, which is native to southern China, can be cultivated in your own backyard. It requires a humid, warm environment with a few hours of sunlight. It is best to keep it in a container at a height of 1 to 2.5 metres, and it is usually pruned into a bush shape so that the tea leaves are easier to collect.
Growing edible herbs for infusions, on the other hand, is extremely productive since it gives a steady supply of leaves that can be used throughout the year.
To begin, make sure the soil you’re using is nutrient-dense. Aromatic herbs can be planted straight into the ground, allowing them to grow longer and quicker. If you don’t have much area for a garden, try hanging baskets, flower pots near windows, or a planter on the terrace or patio.
You can have a good crop even if you only have a small space. The most critical factors are natural illumination, ventilation, and, for some species, a small amount of sunlight.
Never Put Design Aside
Use your imagination to build a special spot that expresses your personality as you’re starting your own herbal garden enterprise. Make a hanging structure or paint the pots or planters, then add original plant identifiers like wooden poles with names, labels, or painted stones.
Variety of Flavors and Their Properties
Here are some ideas for growing or planting in your tea garden:
- Chamomile: (only use the flowers): Aids digestion, soothes anxiety, and relieves menstruation cramps.
- Peppermint helps with digestion, breath freshening, and headache relief.
- Lavender helps with anxiety, headaches, and sleep.
- Roses are a natural decongestant.
- Sage is a calming herb that can help you focus.
- Thyme relieves stomach pain and decreases inflammation.
- Jasmine is a powerful immune system booster.
- Echinacea: reduces flu symptoms and boosts the immune system.
- Melissa helps you sleep better and feel less anxious.
Caring Tips
- The trick is to arrange plants that demand similar levels of water and sunlight together.
- Coffee, eggshells, and compost are examples of natural compost (well decomposed).
- Mornings are best for harvesting.
- To avoid weakening the plant, don’t cut too many leaves or blossoms at once.
- Keep your plants free of herbs.
Dry and Store
Dry the leaves and blooms you won’t be using right away so you don’t waste them and may make a cup of tea with your stored crop whenever you like.
To begin, cut tiny branches. Using a towel, gently wash and dry them. Make little bouquets and bind them together with a rubber band or a piece of twine. Hang them in a dark, well-ventilated area. Allow a few days for the plants to dry completely before storing them in glass jars.
Turn Your Kitchen into a Laboratory of Flavors
Boil water, place a bit of herbs in an infuser, and leave it in the water for 5 to 10 minutes… and voilà! An infusion made with organic ingredients from your own garden.
Take it as you want it, with fresh or dried herbs, and try your hand at creating your own taste combinations.
Bonus Tip: In addition to having amazing flavor, some of these plants have good skin-care benefits and are calming. So why not treat yourself to a lengthy soak in the tub with your vintage?
For a full relaxation, use hot or warm water with a handful of Epsom salt and lavender, rose, or chamomile flowers. Roses and chamomile are also beneficial to dry skin.