If a cup of tea is more than just a hot beverage for you, but rather a special moment, a warm feeling or even a piece of art, it’s likely that you’re a true tea lover. That probably means that the regular, store-bought tea isn’t something you’ll be happy with, as it won’t satisfy your delicate tea-loving taste buds. In case you recognize yourself in this description, maybe it’s time to consider growing some of your own tea. Sounds complicated? Not really. With these simple tips, you’ll be drinking your own home-grown tea before you know it.

The Difference Between Tea Bags and Loose-Leaf Tea

Those who don’t really drink tea regularly tend to buy tea bag packages at supermarkets or the closest grocery store. While this type of tea can smell nice and even have a somewhat pleasant aroma, it’s crucial to know how it’s made and what it is you’re drinking. The tea bags are normally filled with tiny bits of tea, which isn’t of the best quality and is quite inexpensive. In many cases, tea bags are made of plastic and are harmful to the environment. They are usually too small to allow the tea leaves inside them to unfurl completely, so the water can’t reach them the way it should. It’s for these reasons that most tea lovers turn to loose-leaf tea instead since tea leaves that aren’t in a tight bag can expand properly so that hot water can reach more of their surface. Such tea can fully release its flavors and the vitamins and minerals that benefit your well-being. Of course, you can then expect the aroma and flavor of that tea to be richer and deeper for your pleasure.

Get Equipped

Growing your own tea can bring you joy in more than one way. Not only will you end up drinking some of the most flavorful tea, but the process itself can be a rewarding one. Namely, this can become a fulfilling hobby, one that will keep you occupied and happy, and one that won’t cost you much. In fact, visiting your local garden center will probably do, as you’ll find most of the tools and tea-growing kits there. The basic tools you’ll need for planting the herbs may include gloves, a hand trowel, a garden fork and perhaps a hoe. If you don’t have a garden, you’ll certainly need some pots and some slightly acidic soil. While there, you can also ask if you can get some instructions for germination and any other advice for growing your plants. When it’s harvesting time, you’ll need a suitable cutting tool. Instead of wasting money on specialized garden tools, you can purchase a quality multi-purpose switch blade knife. These can be utilized in different situations and can come in handy around the house or if you ever go camping, which makes them a particularly wise investment.

Choose the Plants

When talking about tea, it’s important to differentiate between Camellia sinensis, which is the actual tea plant, and various herbal infusions people drink. The choice is up to you and it’s perfectly fine to stick to your own preferences. In case you want to grow Camellia sinensis, you should arm yourself with patience. If you live in a warm climate, you can grow it in your garden, but if not, you’ll have to grow it in a container inside your home. Either way, you’ll have to wait about three years until you can begin harvesting this plant’s leaves for your tea. While you wait for that to happen, there are other, equally delicious and wonderfully fragrant herbs you can plant. For instance, the aromatic jasmine, peppermint or chamomile. Another great option is lavender. Not only will you be able to brew some amazingly tasty tea, but the plant itself is decorative and smells delightful. Other plants you can opt for include thyme, lemon verbena and rosehip, especially if you have space in your garden for them.

Enjoy the Final Product

After you’ve done the work and your plants have matured to where you can use them to brew that perfect cup of tea, it’s definitely time for you to enjoy the result of your effort. However, before you put the herbs in hot water, it’s essential that you know which part of the plant is used to make tea. For instance, we can use rosehip berries fresh or dried. They should be crushed or mashed before being placed in boiling water. Those who understand the importance of a nutritious diet and who always try to find foods that boost health will love rosehip, as it’s loaded with vitamins C, A, and E. Lavender can improve your mood and calm you down, and the tea is made from the flowers of the plant, which can either be used fresh or dried. The situation is quite similar with chamomile, whose flowers can actually blend well with those of lavender, to make the tea flavor more intense. Regardless of which herb you choose for making your tea, you’ll need a good kettle, perhaps a few brewing baskets in a variety of sizes, as well as a teapot for steeping your loose tea in hot water. Teapots can be glass, ceramic or even cast iron and stainless steel, so choose the one that works best for you and savor your tea-drinking moments to the maximum.

It might take some will and a bit of time to grow your own tea, but the satisfaction you’ll feel when you take a sip of that home-grown brew will definitely be worth it. With these valuable tips, you’ll take your tea-drinking game to a whole new level and perhaps even make your own blends soon.