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Tea Gardening Herbs
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Herbs For A Tea Garden
Tim Henry
Is there anything more refreshing on a hot summer day than a
tall glass of iced tea with a sprig of fresh mint? Or a more
calming end to a long day than a steaming infusion with
chamomile or mint? A tea garden can ensure that you have a
steady supply of your favorite herbs – and it’s surprisingly
easy to grow.
Most tea herbs grow quite happily in moderate sun, so choose a
spot that gets about 6 hours of full sun a day. If you choose
to grow your tea herbs directly in the ground, be aware that
many of them will spread voraciously, choking out any other
plants nearby. To prevent that, sink bottomless buckets or
baskets into the ground and plant the herb plant inside it to
help control the roots. Of course, if you choose to garden in
containers, that won’t be a problem at all.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a very pretty, lacy annual (though there is one
variety that is a perennial) that grows about 2 feet high. It
likes partial shade to full sun, and sandy, dry soil. The tea
is made from chamomile flowers rather than leaves. Harvest
regularly once the plants start to flower. To dry chamomile,
cut stems back to new leaf growth and tie in loose bunches.
Hang upside down in a dry, dark place till the leaves are
crumbly. Or: dry just the flower heads on drying screens in the
oven or in the sun.
Catnip
Catnip has been used for medicinal teas for colds and stomach
upsets since ancient times. Its most often combined with other
herbs – lemon balm and lemon grass are particular favorites.
The plant is a perennial that grows readily in dry, sandy
conditions, but can be coaxed along in nearly any sort of soil
or light conditions. Added bonus: catnip is a natural pest
repellant, both in the garden and dried. To take advantage of
its pest repellant properties, dry and place in cloth pouches
and tuck under baseboards or closets. Tea is made from dry or
fresh leaves, combined with chamomile, comfrey or lemon balm.
Lemon Balm
A hardy, drought-resistant perennial, lemon balm grows so
readily that it is actually considered a pest plant in some
parts of the United States. The plant looks a lot like mint –
to which it’s related – and has a hint of minty flavor to it.
Like most other tea herbs, it can be used either dried or
fresh, though the dried leaves have a more intense flavor. The
plant grows about 24 inches tall, and must be pinched back and
pruned often to keep it under control.
Mint
Ah, mint! There are so many varieties of mint that you could
easily plant a mint garden with no other plants at all. At last
count, there were an estimated 6,000 varieties – and growing,
since the plant cross-pollinates so easily. It’s also the most
pernicious spreader of all the herbs. One plant will take over
an entire garden within two seasons if it’s not contained. Mint
likes rich soil and light shade, but will grow in almost any
conditions. It also makes a great, easy to maintain house
plant.
Some favorite mint varieties for tea are:
Peppermint – of course! Peppermint is the most popular of all
the mints, with its sharp, spicy, cooling tastes.
Spearmint – the mint of mint juleps. Spearmint grows readily in
any climate.
Apple mint – a hint of fruity flavor underlying the cool, fresh
taste of mint
Chocolate mint – yes, chocolate! This one is far better with
dessert than as a tea. Crush the leaves and whirl in a blender
with vanilla ice cream for an incredible treat.
About The Author: This article courtesy of
http://www.florists-guide.org
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