How to Grow a Tea Garden: Fresh, Homegrown Ingredients for the Perfect Brew

Dreaming of a lush tea garden filled with fresh, homegrown ingredients for your daily cup? Whether you love a soothing chamomile infusion or a zesty mint blend, creating your own tea garden is easier than you think. Here are a few tips to get you started.

How to Create a Tea Garden

1. Choose the Right Location
Tea-loving herbs thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, so aim for at least 6 hours of sun daily. Consider planting your tea herbs near your kitchen for easy access.

2. PIck Your Plant Varieties
A great tea garden doesn’t need to be overwhelming! Begin with a few versatile herbs like:

• Chamomile – Calming and perfect for bedtime tea.

• Mint – Refreshing and invigorating, great for digestion.

• Lemon Balm – Uplifting with a citrusy aroma.

• Lavender – Soothing and aromatic for stress relief.

• Thyme or Rosemary – Earthy and excellent for culinary infusions.

3. Consider Companion Planting
Pairing tea-friendly plants with beneficial companions helps deter pests naturally and boosts growth. For example, plant chamomile near brassicas like broccoli and cabbage to help keep pests away.

4. Fresh or Dried? Know Your Harvest
You can use fresh herbs straight from the garden for a vibrant flavor or dry them for longer shelf life. Hang bundles of herbs upside down in a dry, airy place to preserve their potency.

5. Add a Touch of Beauty
Incorporate flowering plants like calendula or echinacea—not only are they great for tea blends, but they also add a lovely pop of color and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden.

6. Plan for Year-Round Enjoyment
Grow perennial herbs like mint and lemon balm for continuous harvests. Annuals like chamomile and basil can be replanted each year.

7. Create a Cozy Tea Corner
Designate a small space in or near your garden with a comfy chair and table—perfect for sipping your freshly brewed blends and soaking in the serenity of your tea haven.

Want to dig deeper into planning your dream tea and culinary garden?

Our membership just covered this topic in detail, and we'd love to have you join us! Get exclusive tips, plant care guides, and more. Join here and start planning your own dream garden today!

Check out this culinary herb garden design if you need some inspo in the meantime!

And if you’re already growing herbs, I’ve got a couple of my favorite homegrown tea blend recipes right here.