Creating an Herbal Tea Garden: Best Plants and Tips - Plant Care Guide

Creating an herbal tea garden involves selecting the right plants known for their flavor and medicinal properties, then providing them with suitable growing conditions. This rewarding endeavor allows you to enjoy fresh, homegrown ingredients for calming, invigorating, or soothing infusions right from your backyard.

Why Create an Herbal Tea Garden?

Creating an herbal tea garden offers a delightful blend of practical benefits and simple pleasures. It’s more than just growing plants; it's about cultivating wellness, sustainability, and a deeper connection to nature right in your backyard.

Freshness and Flavor

One of the most immediate benefits of an herbal tea garden is the unparalleled freshness. Unlike dried, store-bought teas that might have lost some of their aromatic oils and potency during processing and storage, herbs from your garden are vibrant and full of flavor. Pluck leaves minutes before steeping, and you'll experience a richness and complexity that's truly distinct. The essential oils are at their peak, translating into a more potent and satisfying cup of tea. This freshness also means you're getting the maximum benefit from the plant's compounds, whether for flavor or medicinal properties.

Cost Savings

Regularly purchasing specialty herbal teas can add up over time. By creating an herbal tea garden, you're investing in a self-replenishing supply of ingredients. Once established, many perennial herbs will return year after year with minimal input, providing a continuous harvest for little to no cost. Even annuals are often easy to start from seed, which is far more economical than buying packaged dried herbs or tea bags. Over the long run, your garden becomes a significant source of savings on your grocery bill.

Organic and Chemical-Free Ingredients

When you grow your own herbs, you have complete control over their environment. This means you can ensure they are cultivated organically, free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers. Knowing exactly what goes into your tea, from seed to cup, provides immense peace of mind. This is especially important if you're consuming herbs for their medicinal benefits, as you want to avoid any unwanted chemical contaminants. An organic herbal tea garden guarantees a pure and wholesome brew.

Health and Wellness Benefits

Many herbs commonly grown for tea have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their therapeutic properties.

• Soothing and Calming: Chamomile, lemon balm, and lavender are renowned for their ability to promote relaxation and aid sleep.
• Digestive Aid: Peppermint, ginger, and fennel can help settle upset stomachs and alleviate indigestion.
• Immune Support: Echinacea and elderflower are often used to boost the immune system and combat colds.
• Anti-inflammatory: Turmeric and ginger have natural anti-inflammatory properties.

Having these natural remedies readily available allows you to address minor ailments or simply promote daily well-being with ingredients you've grown yourself. It encourages a holistic approach to health.

Convenience and Accessibility

Imagine needing a soothing tea before bed, or a digestive aid after a meal, and being able to step right outside to gather the ingredients. An herbal tea garden puts these natural resources at your fingertips. There's no need for a last-minute trip to the store or concern about whether your favorite blend is in stock. This immediate access encourages more frequent enjoyment of herbal teas, making it easier to incorporate their benefits into your daily routine.

A Rewarding Hobby

Beyond the practical advantages, tending to an herbal tea garden is a deeply satisfying and calming hobby. The process of planting, nurturing, and harvesting your own herbs can be a form of mindfulness and stress relief. Watching your plants grow, smelling their fragrant leaves, and finally enjoying a cup of tea made from your efforts brings a unique sense of accomplishment and connection to nature. It’s a rewarding journey from soil to sip.

What Are the Best Plants for an Herbal Tea Garden?

When creating an herbal tea garden, selecting the best plants is crucial for both flavor and beneficial properties. These herbs are generally easy to grow, prolific producers, and well-suited for brewing into delicious and healthful infusions.

Classic Calming Herbs

These herbs are renowned for their soothing properties, perfect for an evening cup.

• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla):
  • Flavor Profile: Mild, apple-like, slightly sweet.
  • Benefits: Promotes relaxation, aids sleep, calms upset stomachs, anti-inflammatory.
  • Growing Tips: Prefers full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil. German chamomile is an annual easily grown from Organic Chamomile Seeds. Harvest flowers just as they open.
• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis):
  • Flavor Profile: Bright, citrusy, minty.
  • Benefits: Reduces stress and anxiety, improves sleep, soothes indigestion, antiviral.
  • Growing Tips: Very easy to grow, prefers full sun to partial shade, tolerates various soils. Can be invasive, so consider growing in a container. Harvest leaves frequently.
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia):
  • Flavor Profile: Floral, slightly sweet, with a distinct aromatic quality. Use sparingly for tea.
  • Benefits: Calming, reduces anxiety, aids sleep, improves mood.
  • Growing Tips: Needs full sun and very well-draining soil. Prefers drier conditions. Harvest flower spikes just before they fully open. English lavender is best for culinary use.

Invigorating & Digestive Herbs

These herbs offer refreshing flavors and can aid digestion or provide a gentle energy boost.

• Peppermint (Mentha x piperita):
  • Flavor Profile: Strong, refreshing minty flavor with a cooling sensation.
  • Benefits: Aids digestion, relieves nausea, soothes headaches, clears sinuses.
  • Growing Tips: Thrives in partial shade to full sun, moist soil. Extremely vigorous; best grown in containers to prevent spreading. Harvest leaves anytime.
• Spearmint (Mentha spicata):
  • Flavor Profile: Milder, sweeter mint flavor than peppermint.
  • Benefits: Similar to peppermint but gentler, good for digestion and freshening breath.
  • Growing Tips: Similar to peppermint; also best in containers. A very versatile and popular tea herb.
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale):
  • Flavor Profile: Spicy, warm, pungent.
  • Benefits: Reduces nausea, anti-inflammatory, aids digestion, warming.
  • Growing Tips: Prefers warm climates (Zone 7+), partial shade, and consistently moist soil. Can be grown in containers in cooler climates and brought indoors. Harvest rhizomes (roots).
• Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora):
  • Flavor Profile: Intense, pure lemony flavor without the tartness.
  • Benefits: Calming, digestive aid, fever reducer.
  • Growing Tips: Needs full sun and good drainage. Sensitive to frost; can be overwintered indoors in cooler zones. Harvest leaves frequently.

Immune Boosting & Wellness Herbs

These plants offer compounds that support overall health.

• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea):
  • Flavor Profile: Mild, slightly earthy. Use flowers and roots.
  • Benefits: Boosts immune system, helps fight colds and flu.
  • Growing Tips: Prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Harvest petals from flowers; roots are harvested in fall after 2-3 years.
• Holy Basil (Tulsi) (Ocimum sanctum):
  • Flavor Profile: Complex, spicy, clove-like, slightly sweet.
  • Benefits: Adaptogenic (helps body adapt to stress), boosts immunity, anti-inflammatory.
  • Growing Tips: Annual in most climates, prefers full sun and warm temperatures. Easy to grow from Holy Basil Seeds. Harvest leaves and flowers before it bolts aggressively.
• Rose Hips (Rosa canina or other species):
  • Flavor Profile: Tart, fruity.
  • Benefits: Extremely high in Vitamin C, boosts immunity, anti-inflammatory.
  • Growing Tips: Grow rose bushes (often wild varieties are best). Allow flowers to fade and hips to develop in fall. Harvest after the first frost for sweetest flavor.
• Calendula (Calendula officinalis):
  • Flavor Profile: Very mild, slightly earthy. Mostly for color and benefits.
  • Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, soothing, good for skin.
  • Growing Tips: Easy annual from seed, full sun, adaptable soil. Harvest bright orange/yellow petals.

Flavorful Accents

These can be used alone or to enhance blends.

• Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana):
  • Flavor Profile: Extremely sweet, no calories.
  • Benefits: Natural sweetener.
  • Growing Tips: Tender perennial, sensitive to frost. Needs full sun and good drainage. Harvest leaves.
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis):
  • Flavor Profile: Piny, woody, aromatic. Use sparingly.
  • Benefits: Stimulating, improves circulation.
  • Growing Tips: Full sun, well-draining soil, drought-tolerant once established. Can grow large.
• Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum):
  • Flavor Profile: Anise/licorice-like, sweet.
  • Benefits: Good for coughs, digestive aid.
  • Growing Tips: Full sun, well-draining soil. Attracts pollinators.

When choosing plants for your herbal tea garden, consider your personal taste preferences, the health benefits you seek, and your local climate conditions. Mixing and matching these varieties will provide a diverse and continuous supply for your brewing needs.

Where Should I Locate and Design My Herbal Tea Garden?

The location and design of your herbal tea garden are crucial for the health of your plants and the convenience of harvesting. Thoughtful planning ensures your herbs thrive and your garden becomes a beautiful, functional space.

Location Considerations

Choosing the right spot is the first step in creating an herbal tea garden.

• Sunlight: Most herbs grown for tea, especially those with strong flavors like mints, lemon balm, and chamomile, thrive in full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Some herbs, like lemon balm or mint, can tolerate partial shade (4-6 hours), especially in hot climates, but their flavor might be less intense.
• Proximity to Kitchen/House: Plant your herbal tea garden close to your kitchen door or a frequently used outdoor area. This makes it incredibly convenient to snip fresh leaves for your tea, encouraging more frequent use. Avoid placing it far away where harvesting becomes a chore.
• Accessibility: Ensure easy access to all parts of the garden for planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting. Avoid cramped spaces.
• Water Source: Locate your garden near a water spigot or other water source. While many herbs are drought-tolerant once established, consistent watering, especially during dry spells or for newly planted herbs, is essential.
• Drainage: Most herbs prefer well-draining soil. Avoid areas where water tends to pool after rain. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds or amending the soil significantly.
• Protection: Offer some protection from strong winds, which can damage delicate herbs or dry out the soil too quickly.

Design Principles

Once you've chosen a location, consider how to design your herbal tea garden for beauty and function.

• Size and Shape:
  • Small Spaces: Even a few pots on a patio or a small raised bed can make an effective herbal tea garden.
  • Larger Areas: Consider geometric shapes (circular, square, rectangular beds) or integrate herbs into existing flower borders.
  • Vertical Gardening: For very limited space, use vertical planters or wall-mounted pockets for herbs like mint, chamomile, or lemon balm.
• Raised Beds vs. In-Ground:
  • Raised Beds: Excellent for improving drainage, controlling soil quality, and providing easier access (less bending). They also help contain vigorous spreaders like mint and lemon balm.
  • In-Ground Beds: Suitable if you have naturally good soil and drainage. Requires more attention to soil amendments.
• Containment for Invasive Herbs: Herbs like mint and lemon balm are notorious spreaders.
  • Pots: The easiest way to contain them is to plant them in large pots, even if you sink the pots into the ground.
  • Root Barriers: If planting in-ground, install root barriers (like metal flashing or specialized plastic barriers) at least 18 inches deep around these aggressive growers.
• Companion Planting:
  • Group by Needs: Group herbs with similar sun, water, and soil requirements together.
  • Beneficial Combinations: Some herbs benefit others. For example, chamomile is said to improve the flavor of nearby herbs.
  • Pest Deterrence: Herbs like calendula can deter pests, protecting your tea herbs.
• Paths and Edging:
  • Paths: Incorporate paths of stone, mulch, or gravel to allow easy access without compacting the soil.
  • Edging: Use edging materials like bricks, timber, or metal to define beds and give a tidy appearance.
• Aesthetics:
  • Variety in Texture and Height: Combine plants with different leaf shapes, colors, and heights for visual interest. For example, tall echinacea, bushy lemon balm, and low-growing chamomile.
  • Flowering Herbs: Many tea herbs have beautiful flowers (e.g., chamomile, lavender, echinacea), adding ornamental value and attracting pollinators.
  • Scent: Place fragrant herbs like lavender or lemon balm near pathways or seating areas where their aroma can be enjoyed.
• Starting Small: Don't feel overwhelmed. Begin with a few favorite herbs that are known to be easy growers. You can always expand your herbal tea garden in future seasons as you gain experience.

By carefully considering these location and design elements, you'll lay a strong foundation for a thriving, productive, and beautiful herbal tea garden that provides fresh ingredients for years to come.

How Do I Prepare the Soil for an Herbal Tea Garden?

Proper soil preparation is fundamental to the success of your herbal tea garden. Healthy soil provides the necessary nutrients, drainage, and aeration that most herbs need to thrive and produce flavorful leaves.

1. Assess Your Existing Soil

Before adding anything, get to know your current soil.

• Visual Inspection: What does it look like? Is it sandy, heavy clay, or something in between?
• Drainage Test: Dig a hole about 1 foot deep and 1 foot wide. Fill it with water and let it drain completely. Once drained, fill it again.
  • Good Drainage: If the water drains within 1-2 hours, your drainage is good.
  • Moderate Drainage: If it takes 2-4 hours, it's okay but could be improved.
  • Poor Drainage: If it takes longer than 4 hours, you have poor drainage, which needs significant amendment to prevent root rot in herbs.
• Soil pH Test: Most herbs prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically between 6.0 and 7.0. You can buy a Soil pH Test Kit from garden centers or send a sample to your local extension office for a more detailed analysis.

2. Improve Drainage (If Necessary)

If your soil has poor drainage, addressing this is critical for herbs.

• Raised Beds: This is the easiest and often best solution for poor drainage. Fill them with a high-quality, well-draining potting mix or a custom blend.
• Amending Heavy Clay Soil:
  • Organic Matter: Incorporate large quantities of organic matter (compost, well-rotted manure, shredded leaves) into the top 12-18 inches of soil. This helps break up clay particles, creating air pockets and improving water percolation.
  • Coarse Sand (Use with Caution): While sometimes recommended, adding sand to clay can sometimes create a concrete-like mixture unless added in very large quantities (which is often impractical). Focus on organic matter.
• Amending Sandy Soil:
  • Organic Matter: Incorporate organic matter generously. This will help sandy soil retain moisture and nutrients, which it typically leaches out quickly.

3. Add Organic Matter

Organic matter is the single most important amendment for almost any garden soil.

• Compost: Well-rotted compost is ideal. It improves soil structure, drainage, water retention, and provides a slow release of nutrients. Aim for at least a 2-4 inch layer spread over the planting area and thoroughly mixed into the top 6-12 inches of soil.
• Aged Manure: If available, well-aged (composted) manure is another excellent source of organic matter and nutrients. Avoid fresh manure, which can burn plants.
• Leaf Mold: Decomposed leaves create a light, airy amendment that enhances soil structure.
• Benefits of Organic Matter:
  • Improves soil structure (crumbly texture)
  • Enhances drainage in clay soils
  • Increases water retention in sandy soils
  • Provides essential nutrients for plant growth
  • Supports beneficial soil microbes

4. Adjust Soil pH (If Necessary)

Based on your pH test results:

• If pH is Too Low (Acidic): Add garden lime (calcium carbonate). Follow product instructions for application rates based on your current pH and desired pH. It takes time to work.
• If pH is Too High (Alkaline): Add elemental sulfur or peat moss. Again, follow product directions carefully.
• Most Herbs: Many herbs prefer a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.0), which is common in well-maintained garden soils. If your pH is within this range, no adjustment is usually needed.

5. Dig and Mix Thoroughly

• Digging: Once you've added your amendments, use a garden fork or shovel to thoroughly dig and mix them into the top 6-12 inches of your existing soil. Break up any large clumps.
• Leveling: Rake the area smooth and level the bed.

6. Consider Raised Beds for Specific Needs

If you have extremely poor soil, very poor drainage, or limited space, raised beds are a fantastic option for an herbal tea garden.

• Fill with Mix: Fill your raised beds with a blend of good quality topsoil, compost, and coarse perlite or vermiculite for drainage. A common mix is 50% topsoil, 40% compost, 10% perlite/vermiculite.
• Containment: Raised beds are also excellent for containing spreading herbs like mint and lemon balm.

By putting in the effort to prepare your soil correctly, you'll create a welcoming foundation for your herbs, leading to a healthier, more productive, and more flavorful herbal tea garden. This initial investment of time and effort will pay dividends in vibrant growth and delicious brews.

How Do I Plant and Care for My Herbal Tea Garden?

Once your soil is prepared and your location chosen, it's time to bring your herbal tea garden to life. Proper planting techniques and consistent care are essential for healthy, productive herbs that will provide abundant leaves for your teas.

Planting Your Herbs

Whether starting from seeds or seedlings, correct planting sets the stage for success.

Starting from Seeds:

• Check Seed Packet: Always read the specific instructions on your Organic Herb Seeds. Some require light to germinate (surface sow), others need darkness, and some need cold stratification.
• Timing: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date for a head start, or direct sow outdoors after the danger of frost has passed, depending on the herb.
• Seedling Care: Once sprouted, provide plenty of light (grow lights are ideal for indoor starts) and good air circulation. Harden off seedlings (gradually expose them to outdoor conditions) before transplanting.

Planting Seedlings/Transplants:

• Dig Hole: Dig a hole slightly wider and just as deep as the plant's root ball.
• Gently Remove: Carefully remove the herb from its nursery pot. If roots are circling the pot, gently loosen them.
• Place and Backfill: Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with prepared soil, gently firming around the base to remove air pockets.
• Spacing: Follow spacing recommendations for each herb, as they need room to grow and for good air circulation. Overcrowding can lead to disease.
• Water In: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.

Watering Your Herbal Tea Garden

Consistent and appropriate watering is vital, especially for young plants.

• Initial Watering: Water new plants daily for the first week or so to help them establish.
• Established Plants: Most herbs prefer consistent moisture but good drainage.
  • Feel the Soil: The best method is to stick your finger about 1-2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water.
  • Deep and Infrequent: Water deeply rather than shallowly. This encourages roots to grow deeper, making the plant more resilient to dry spells.
  • Morning Watering: Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
  • Avoid Overhead Watering: Try to water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry, especially for herbs prone to powdery mildew.
• Potted Herbs: Containers dry out much faster than in-ground beds, often requiring daily watering in hot weather.

Fertilizing Your Herbal Tea Garden

Generally, herbs grown for tea don't need heavy fertilization. Excessive fertilizer, especially nitrogen, can lead to lush green growth but dilute the essential oils, diminishing flavor and potency.

• Compost is Key: If you prepared your soil with plenty of compost, additional fertilizer might not be needed for the first growing season.
• Balanced Organic Fertilizer: If plants show signs of nutrient deficiency (yellowing leaves, stunted growth), use a balanced organic liquid fertilizer sparingly, perhaps once a month during the active growing season. Look for a product like Espoma Organic Grow! Liquid Plant Food.
• Avoid High Nitrogen: Don't use fertilizers high in nitrogen unless your goal is purely vegetative growth.

Pruning and Harvesting

Regular pruning and harvesting encourage bushier growth and a continuous supply of fresh leaves.

• Pinch Back Young Plants: When young herbs have a few sets of true leaves, pinch back the growing tips. This encourages branching and a fuller plant.
• Regular Harvesting: Harvest frequently! This stimulates new growth and keeps the plant productive.
  • Leaves: For leafy herbs like mint, lemon balm, and holy basil, snip off individual leaves or small stems as needed. Avoid taking more than 1/3 of the plant at once.
  • Flowers: For chamomile, calendula, or lavender, harvest flowers just as they open or before they fully bloom for best potency and appearance.
  • Roots: For herbs like echinacea or ginger, harvest roots in the fall, typically after a few years of growth.
• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers (deadhead) from herbs like chamomile or calendula to encourage more blooms.
• Pruning for Shape/Health: Prune back leggy or woody growth to maintain plant shape and vigor.

Pest and Disease Management

In an organic garden, prevention and natural solutions are key.

• Healthy Soil & Plants: The best defense is a healthy plant. Well-prepared soil, proper watering, and adequate sunlight create resilient herbs.
• Inspect Regularly: Check your plants frequently for any signs of pests (aphids, spider mites) or diseases (powdery mildew).
• Manual Removal: Hand-pick larger pests or blast small insects like aphids off with a strong spray of water.
• Organic Sprays: If necessary, use insecticidal soap or neem oil for persistent issues, applying in the evening to protect beneficial insects. Always follow product instructions.
• Good Air Circulation: Ensure adequate spacing between plants to promote airflow and reduce humidity around leaves, which helps prevent fungal diseases.

By following these planting and care tips, your herbal tea garden will flourish, providing you with a continuous supply of delicious, homegrown ingredients for your favorite brews.

How Do I Harvest and Preserve Herbs for Tea?

Successfully harvesting and preserving herbs for tea ensures you can enjoy the fruits of your herbal tea garden long after the growing season ends. Proper techniques retain flavor, aroma, and beneficial properties.

Best Time for Harvesting

Timing is everything for maximum potency and flavor.

• Morning After Dew Dries: This is generally the best time to harvest most herbs. The morning sun has evaporated the dew, but the intense heat of the day hasn't yet caused the essential oils to evaporate.
• Before Flowering (for leaves): For leafy herbs like mint, lemon balm, and holy basil, harvest before the plant flowers. Once a plant starts putting energy into flowering, the flavor of the leaves can diminish. If flowers are desired (e.g., chamomile, lavender), harvest them as they open.
• Dry Day: Always harvest on a dry day to prevent mold and ensure successful drying.
• Use Clean Tools: Use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts and avoid damaging the plant.

Harvesting Techniques

• Leaves: For herbs like mint, lemon balm, and holy basil, snip off individual leaves or stems. You can take up to one-third of the plant at a time without harming it. Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth.
• Flowers: For chamomile, calendula, or lavender, snip off individual flower heads or spikes just as they open fully.
• Seeds: For herbs like dill or fennel, allow flowers to go to seed and harvest the seed heads when they are dry.
• Roots: For echinacea or ginger, harvest roots in the fall after the foliage has died back, typically after the plant has been growing for at least 2-3 years. Clean them thoroughly.

Preserving Methods

You have several options for preserving your harvested herbs.

1. Air Drying (Most Common)

This is the simplest and most traditional method for many herbs.

• Preparation:
  • Gently rinse herbs under cool water if dirty, then pat completely dry with a paper towel. Remove any damaged or yellowed leaves.
  • Bundle small bunches of stems (about 5-10 stems). Avoid making bundles too thick, as this restricts airflow and can lead to mold.
  • Secure bundles with a rubber band (which will tighten as stems shrink) or twine.
• Location: Hang bundles upside down in a warm, dark, well-ventilated area. A closet, attic, or unused room is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight, which can degrade essential oils and fade color. Good air circulation is key to prevent mold.
• Drying Rack/Screens: For individual leaves or flowers (like chamomile, calendula petals), spread them in a single layer on clean screens, mesh trays, or brown paper bags. Ensure good airflow from all sides.
• Monitoring: Herbs are dry when they are brittle and crumble easily. This usually takes 1-3 weeks, depending on the herb and humidity.
• Examples for Air Drying: Mint, lemon balm, holy basil, chamomile flowers, lavender flowers, lemon verbena.

2. Dehydrating

A food dehydrator provides a controlled environment for faster drying.

• Preparation: Prepare herbs as for air drying.
• Temperature: Set the dehydrator to a low temperature (95-105°F or 35-40°C) to preserve essential oils.
• Single Layer: Spread herbs in a single layer on dehydrator trays.
• Drying Time: This can take 1-4 hours, depending on the herb and humidity. Check frequently.
• Examples for Dehydrating: Most herbs can be dehydrated. Excellent for herbs with higher moisture content like ginger root or dense leaves.

3. Freezing

Freezing preserves freshness and flavor, especially for delicate herbs that don't dry well.

• Preparation:
  • Rinse herbs, pat very dry.
  • For leafy herbs, you can chop them or leave them whole.
  • Ice Cube Trays: A popular method is to chop herbs finely, place them in ice cube trays, cover with water or olive oil, and freeze. Once frozen, pop out the cubes and store them in freezer bags.
• Storage: Store in airtight freezer bags or containers.
• Examples for Freezing: Mint, lemon balm, basil (for culinary use, not common for tea), ginger.

4. Oven Drying (Use with Caution)

Oven drying can be tricky and risks burning herbs or evaporating essential oils due to higher, less controllable temperatures.

• Lowest Setting: Use the lowest possible oven setting (usually 170°F or 75°C), and leave the oven door ajar to allow moisture to escape.
• Monitor Closely: Spread herbs in a single layer on baking sheets. Watch them very closely.
• Not Recommended: Generally not recommended for optimal tea herb preservation unless you have no other options.

Storing Dried Herbs

Proper storage is crucial to maintain potency and prevent spoilage.

• Airtight Containers: Once completely dry and brittle, store herbs in airtight containers (glass jars with tight-fitting lids are best). Mason Jars with Lids work wonderfully.
• Cool, Dark Place: Store containers in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity.
• Labeling: Label containers with the herb name and date of harvest.
• Shelf Life: Most properly dried and stored herbs retain their quality for about 6-12 months. After that, they may lose some potency and flavor.

By mastering these harvesting and preservation techniques, you'll extend the bounty of your herbal tea garden throughout the year, ensuring you always have fresh, organic ingredients for your comforting brews.