Spring is here which means it’s time to get planting!
As a child, I always enjoyed helping my parents grow fruits and vegetables, and now I appreciate the rewards of reaping what you sow. Whether you have a large garden or a small space, a tea garden is a great way to start. Herbs are low maintenance and offer a great harvest for spring and summer.
You can create your unique blends by mixing and matching some popular herbs. For instance, you can grow mint, passionflower, tulsi, lemon balm, lemon verbena, or lemongrass. These herbs are easy to care for and can be brewed fresh or dried.
If you want to give it a try, below are three tips to get you started.
Tip No. One
First, decide whether you want an outdoor garden bed or a container garden. There are pros and con’s to both methods. Planting herbs in pots is a great way to grow them because it allows you to control the soil quality and drainage. You can also move the pots around to get the right amount of sunlight and shade. Make sure that the pots are big enough for the herbs to grow and that they have drainage holes at the bottom. If you decide to grow herbs in an outdoor garden, the plants will receive the sunlight it needs but you may have to tussle with pests and insects. Also, the soil may not be up to par and will need assistance with additional soil.
Tip No. Two
If you are like me, you want to plant everything but that just isn’t feasible. So second, choose your herbs based on your taste preference. You will most definitely enjoy every cup because it’s exactly what you desire. When selecting your herbs and flowers, think about what will blend well together. For example, mint works well with most flowers, lemon balm, and chamomile are partners in crime, and lavender mixed with lemon and honey is a good refresher.
Tip No. Three
Finally, let your herbs mature before harvesting. Harvesting herbs before they mature can have an impact on the plant’s growth and productivity. You do not want to touch your plants until they have developed a few clusters of leaves. Once the plant has matured, trimming is the name of the game. Trimming encourages them to grow and yield more.
With these tips, you can brew a hot cuppa with fresh or dried herbs and indulge in every sip. Remember,
- fresh herbs generally have a stronger scent but are not as potent as dried herbs;
- dried herbs have a longer shelf life than fresh herbs and are normally more potent;
- wash the herbs/leaves thoroughly before using.
So, get started and have fun planting your tea garden! Be sure to take a photo and share it.
