Choosing Herbs For A Tea Herb Garden
Growing a tea herb garden can be a wonderful experience and an exciting hobby to have. Cultivating this type of garden will afford you the luxury of having fresh herbs at your fingertips that you will enjoy drinking all year round.
When creating your garden you want to make sure that wherever you choose to grow your garden that it is convenient for you, whether in a large, medium, or small container indoors or in your outdoor garden. When preparing the soil for your garden, you want to make sure that the soil is appropriate for that particular plant. So, be sure and pay close attention to the specific needs of each individual herb plant that you are growing.
There are many herbs that you can choose for making your herbal teas. Your choice would ultimately be dependent upon the flavor and aromas you like most. I have found the following to be some of the more popular drinking teas amongst myself and others.
Lavender- has a very faint soft taste. The buds of the lavender plant are used in teas. Lavender has been used for years to reduce stress and tension as well as other medicinal purposes. This plant enjoys well drained soil and performs best in full sun.
Peppermint- Peppermint has a mint flavor. The leaves of this plant are used in your drinking teas. Peppermint has been used for many years to treat stomach problems as well as used as a cleanser. Please be mindful that although peppermint grows very easily it can get out of control growing ramped all over your garden and yard. It is highly recommended to plant this herb in a pot to control its growth. Peppermint performs best in some-what shady and full sun areas.
Chamomile- Chamomile has an apple scent and flavor. The flowers of the chamomile plant are used in teas. This plant has been used for many years to relax the body and has also been used to help rid inflammation. Chamomile enjoys some-what shady and full sun areas.
Thyme- Thyme has a spicy taste so you will have to adjust the amount of leaves used when making your tea to suit your personal taste. This plant is used to soothe sore throats and ease stomach pains. The leaves and flowers if present are used to make tea. Thyme grows best in some-what shady and full sun areas.
Jasmine- Jasmine has a very delicate and soft flavor. The flowers of the jasmine plant are used to make your tea. This plant grows best in somewhat-shady to full sun areas.
Rosemary- Rosemary has a very soft, faint and delicate flavor. Rosemary has been used for many years to improve blood circulation and treat depression. The flowers of the rosemary plant are used to make your teas as well. This plant requires well-drained soil and prefers full sun and some light shade.
When making your teas you want to rub the leaves together so that the essential oils can be released from the plant. You then want to add 2-3 teaspoons of fresh leaves or flowers to (1) cup of hot water and let it steep for at least (5) five minutes to ensure that all flavors are released and you enjoy the full benefits of what your herbs have to offer. You may also elect to add a bit of honey to taste.
Having and maintaining a tea herb garden is one of my favorite hobbies. I often harvest my herb teas and package nicely to use as gifts. I also enjoy making herbal iced teas as well. Whatever your purpose is for growing this type of garden will be an everlasting and enjoyable experience.
Here’s To A Cup Of Tea!
Janet Suzalski
