Herbal Tea Gardening Demystified
Unlike the ambitious requirements of a formal garden, the needs of sustaining your very own herbal tea garden is very easy. It can be grown in any existing flower or vegetable garden as long as it is located in a sunny area. The better solution is to plant your herbal teas in a container that sits comfortably on your windowsill.
The only necessity of your indoor herbal tea gardening planter is to make sure the soil is loose and that the water drains sufficiently to ensure you do not waterlog the roots which would result in a scanty crop. Which ever method you choose you’ll want to make sure your herbs are within easy reach should the urge strike to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of tea.
When I first became interested in growing my personal herbal tea garden my tiny flat did not receive much sunlight so I had to carefully consider where I placed my containers. I found the perfect little corner that received great afternoon light. That is where I grouped my tiny collection of tea tins I’d collected from my forays to the local tea shop.
Your tea preference should dictate what type of herbs you would like to grow. For instance in my herbal tea garden some of my favorite type of teas are:
Chamomile which is an excellent night time tea that calms and induces sleep.
Bergamot which brews a refreshing taste of orange citrus that can be enjoyed both hot and cold.
Lemon verbena is another citrus tea with a tangier bite of lemon.
Peppermint is also an excellent summer tea known for its cooling taste.
When using fresh herbs for tea, rub them together or tear them to release the flavor producing oils. You can either use a tea infuser or pour hot water directly on the leaves. Be sure to strain them before drinking so you won’t have to dodge the leaves while enjoying your tea.
Let your fresh herbal tea steep for five or more minutes to allow the flavor to infuse the water. Some herbal teas are milder in taste then the conventional dry tea bags you may have become accustomed to drinking. It may take a couple of cups before you get the right mix. And with certain fresh herbal teas you’ll need time to appreciate the subtle flavor of fresh herb brewed tea.
You can mix and match your own customized tea flavors. If the herb has a pleasing aroma then chances are it will make a tasty cup of tea suiting to your palate. Personally, I enjoy the taste of bergamot, so many of my teas contain a hint of bergamot.
If you do not finish your pot of hot tea it can be chilled and enjoyed as iced tea. Simply add some fresh lemon juice and garnish with a mint flower or spring of chamomile to help maintain the original flavor.
Sun tea is a very popular way of brewing teas. To make sun tea place fresh herbs in a lidded gallon jar and add water. Set in the sun for a couple of hours, then strain and chill the tea. You can add slices of lemon and a garnish of edible flowers such as mint or violet to your glass.
Maintaining your very own herbal tea garden is extremely easy and you’ll be happy you did as you will enjoy an ample supply of fresh tea all year round. Store your dry herbs in a sealed glass jar container away from direct sunlight.
Extras from your personal herb tea garden make excellent gifts to friend and family. Who would not be delighted with a gift basket filled with fresh tea herbs and a small tea pot and matching tea cups?