How to Start Your Tea Garden This Year

There's nothing quite like the comfort of a freshly brewed cup of tea made from herbs you’ve grown yourself. A homegrown tea garden offers fresh flavors, powerful health benefits, and a deeper connection to the plants that nourish and heal. Whether you have a spacious backyard or just a sunny windowsill, you can start growing your own tea garden this year. Here's how to begin your journey to fresh, homegrown tea.

1. Choose Your Tea Garden Location

Your tea garden doesn’t need to be large to be productive. A small raised bed, a collection of pots on a patio, or even a few containers indoors can work beautifully. Look for a space that gets at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily and has good airflow to prevent plant diseases. If growing indoors, a south-facing window or a grow light can help your herbs thrive.

2. Select Your Tea Herbs

Start with a few easy-to-grow herbs that suit your taste and wellness needs. Here are some great options for a beginner tea garden:

  • Chamomile – A soothing herb perfect for relaxation and sleep.

  • Mint (Peppermint or Spearmint) – Refreshing and great for digestion.

  • Lemon Balm – Calming with a light citrusy flavor.

  • Lavender – Floral and aromatic, excellent for stress relief.

  • Rosemary – A warming, invigorating herb that pairs well with other flavors.

  • Holy Basil (Tulsi) – A sacred adaptogen known for reducing stress.

  • Thyme – Great for respiratory health and a flavorful addition to blends.

3. Prepare Your Soil and Containers

Healthy plants start with healthy soil. If planting in the ground, enrich your soil with organic compost to improve drainage and fertility. For containers, choose pots with drainage holes and use a high-quality potting mix designed for herbs. Herbs prefer well-draining soil, so avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

4. Plant and Care for Your Tea Garden

Most tea herbs are easy to grow from seeds or small starter plants. Follow these care tips for a thriving garden:

  • Water consistently but don’t overwater – Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.

  • Prune regularly – Harvest leaves frequently to encourage bushy growth.

  • Feed naturally – Use organic compost or a mild liquid fertilizer every few weeks.

  • Protect from pests – Companion planting with marigolds or basil can deter bugs naturally.

5. Harvest and Dry Your Herbs

The best time to harvest herbs is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot. Cut stems just above a leaf node to encourage regrowth. To dry herbs:

  • Hang small bundles upside down in a dry, dark place with good airflow.

  • Use a dehydrator on a low setting for faster drying.

  • Spread leaves on a mesh screen in a warm, well-ventilated area.

Once dried, store your herbs in airtight glass jars away from direct sunlight to preserve their flavor and medicinal properties.

6. Brew and Enjoy Your Homemade Tea

Making tea from your homegrown herbs is simple and rewarding. Use about one teaspoon of dried herbs (or one tablespoon of fresh) per cup of hot water. Steep for 5–10 minutes, strain, and enjoy! Experiment with different blends to create your own signature tea.

Ready to Start Your Tea Garden?

Starting a tea garden this year can bring beauty, wellness, and joy into your daily routine. Whether you’re growing for relaxation, digestion, or immunity, fresh herbs will elevate your tea experience. Looking for more guidance? Visit the Rising Rooted Yoga and Herbal Apothecary website for more gardening tips and herbal wisdom. Ready to deepen your herbal knowledge? Check out From Beauty By The Seasons: Grow, Gather, and Heal with Wisdom from Our Ancestors and start your journey toward a thriving, healing garden today!

Happy planting and sipping! 🌿🍵

Conya Gilmore