Are you an herbal tea-lover? Yep, me too! Have you seen the prices for good quality herbal tea lately? Outrageous! Why overpay when it’s so fun and easy to grow your own? Let me show you how to grow your own herbs for tea in a container!
You might be someone who enjoys the aroma of herbal tea, or perhaps you just love the flavor!
As many of you know, herbal teas can also be used as a remedy for many ailments, like inflammation, sore throat, depression and even anxiety!
My favorite teas are probably green tea, which I drink to reduce inflammation and for it’s taste, as well as chamomile tea, which helps me sleep better at night.
I grow my herbs just outside my patio door in a small corner, but it’s amazing how many herbs can be grown in a small space!
However, not everyone has the yard space or time to plant an herb garden, much less maintain one!
But you don’t need much time at all to plant your own herbs for tea in a container on your porch or patio!
Actually, once you plant them, whether it be by seed or seedling, they are very low-maintenance!
(Always check with your health care professional before consuming herbal teas)
What Kind of Container Can I Use?
Almost any kind of growing pot or container can be used, even a 5-gallon bucket if that’s all you have!
Your container will need just a couple of things:
Do not use potting soil intended for seed starting!
There is a world of difference between potting soil for starting seeds and potting soil made for container gardening.
Potting soil for seed starting is a very light and airy medium that makes it easy for seeds to germinate and develop root systems. There are few, if any, nutrients in potting soil.
However, “container mix” has the nutrients that your plants (or seeds) will need to grow and thrive.
Look for the words “container mix” or something similar.
I also recommend buying an organic potting soil.
There is no shortage of choices when it comes to gardening pots!
My local Lowe’s store had many shelves of beautiful containers to plant in! I like the half-barrel below!
How to Grow Strawberries in a Container
But at the end of the day, I will always try to use something I already own.
For this project, I will be using a large ceramic container, but your container doesn’t have to be this large.
I will remove the weeds and add some potting soil to the soil I already have in this container.
How Many Herbs Can I Plant Together?
Keep in mind that although these starter plants look small now, these herbs will grow quickly and need room to expand.
This pot is 20: wide and I’m just planting three herbs.
So, depending upon the size of your pot, you’ll have to decide how many plants will thrive there.
Don’t worry, if your plants get bigger than you thought they would, you can always transplant one somewhere else!
Should I Use Plant Starters or Seeds?
You can use either one!
Starters from established plants will help you to grow your tea garden faster!
Don’t hesitate to ask your gardening friends for starters, I’m always happy to give other people starters from my herbs.
One reason for that is because herbs are very hardy and need to be thinned out frequently!
The garden stores have plenty of herbs, but I find them to be a little pricey!
How to Start an Easy Vegetable Container Garden
If you choose to use seeds, you’ll have to wait a couple of months before you are able to harvest chamomile, but the fun is in the process, right?
Easy to Grow Herbs for Tea
Chamomile is a classic tea, as well as one of the most used and researched herb in the world.
Chamomile tea is often consumed when nausea, diarrhea, upper respiratory infections, pain, inflammation and emotional disturbances are present.
Chamomile flowers are easily harvested by plucking them off gently with your fingers. Harvest when the petals are fully bloomed, late morning or early afternoon.
They can be dried on a tray or screen that’s put in a sunny window.
Peppermint is another classic tea that is universally grown and used.
Some common uses for Peppermint are flatulence, nausea, headaches, the common cold, anxiety and much more.
Peppermint is what I’ll be planting for this project, but I also have a Chocolate Mint plant in my herb garden that I just LOVE!
Peppermint is very hardy…ok, let’s just call it invasive! SO, you might want to limit your plant’s rooting system by planting it in a pot, within the larger pot.
Harvest the Peppermint leaves after any dew is dry. Use fresh or lay them on a tray or screen to dry.
(More uses and side effects here)
Lemon Balm is a member of the Peppermint family and another one of my favorite teas!
Lemon Balm is often used as a remedy for stress and anxiety, insomnia, nausea, indigestion and menstrual cramps.
(More uses and possible side effects here
What Other Herbs Can I Grow for Homemade Tea
There are hundreds of herbs that can be grown for tea!
Depending upon your taste preference or ailment, there is no limit of choices.
I must warn you…
Growing herbs can be addicting!
Welcome to the world of herbs! Let’s get growing!
(Always check with your health care professional before consuming herbal teas)
