In the gardening world, there's a secret haven that provides endless cups of fragrant, flavorful tea. Tea gardens, with their variety of plants whose leaves and flowers are used to brew herbal beverages, are a delight for gardening enthusiasts and tea lovers alike. For seniors, building a tea garden could be an engaging, therapeutic experience, bringing a sense of accomplishment and providing the sheer joy of enjoying a tea brewed from their very own garden.
How to Create a Tea Garden
The first step towards creating a wonderful tea garden is selecting the right location. Ideal spots are those with well-draining soil and a mix of sun and shade, as most source plants need around 4-6 hours of sunlight each day.
Next comes the selection of plants. To start, consider your favorite types of tea. If you enjoy a calming chamomile tea before bed, chamomile flowers would be a good choice. If you're partial to a refreshing mint tea in the afternoons, then a variety of mint plants would be ideal. Here are some popular species:
- Lemon balm
- Catnip
- Camellia sinensis ("tea plant")
- Peppermint
When purchasing your plants, be sure to choose healthy, disease-free plants from a reputable nursery.
Planting your tea garden is a joyous process. Dig holes large enough for each plant, ensuring there's ample space between them to allow for growth. Add compost or organic matter to the hole before planting to provide the necessary nutrients. Once planted, water them carefully, taking care not to overwater or underwater.
Maintaining your tea garden is critical for its prosperity. Regular watering, keeping the area weed-free, and protecting your garden from pests will ensure a healthy, flourishing tea garden for you to enjoy.
Harvesting and Drying Plants for Tea
Harvesting tea plants is an art in itself. The perfect time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has evaporated, usually when the plant has some new growth but is not flowering (flowers can make the leaves taste bitter). To harvest, just pinch off the top two inches of the stem.
Drying your plants involves spreading out the harvested leaves or flowers on a screen or a flat surface in a well-ventilated, shaded area. Leave them to dry for a few days until they are brittle to touch.
Once dried, store your tea ingredients in an airtight container away from sunlight to preserve their flavor and aroma.
Enjoy Your Hobbies With Senior Helpers
Creating a tea garden provides seniors with a rewarding, enriching experience. As you enjoy the process, you'll have a beautiful garden providing endless cups of freshness before you know it.
If you have any other hobbies you want to pursue and could use a little help with, contact us at Senior Helpers Worcester. Whether you need assistance with day-to-day self-care, help with chores, or an extra hand following your favorite pursuits in Rutland, Paxton, Rochdale, Jefferson, or Cherry Valley, we're here for you!