Back to Basilic: Grow Your Herbal Tea at Home

When the coolness of fall arrives it feels really nice to hold a hot cup of herbal tea in your hands. Sure store-bought drinks are fine but there’s something special about enjoying a tea made from herbs you grew yourself. Going back to Basilic with your own herbal tea garden is an easy process that lets you enjoy fresh and fragrant tea without leaving your house.

Getting to Know Your Area: Inside versus outside Growing herbs outside in your garden

Think about the best spot for your herbs before you plant them. If you have a nice backyard or a big balcony gardening outside can be a great choice. Even if you have a tiny space and no sunlight growing herbs indoors can still be a fun choice. If you don't have south-facing windows in your home you can use energy-efficient grow lights instead. They can help make up for the lack of natural light.

Picking Your Herbs: Begin with Basil and more.

Basil is the main focus of our "Back to Basilic" theme but adding different plants to your garden can make your tea-making experiences even better. Start with popular herbs such as mint chamomile and lemon balm because they are simple to grow and taste great in tea. If you want to try something different you might want to play around with herbs such as holy basil or anise hyssop since they have interesting tastes and can be good for your health.

Here are some ideas for helping your herbs grow well when you plant them.

Soil is important. You should use soil that drains well and a good option is to mix potting soil with some sand. Putting in some organic compost can help make nutrients more available.

Herbs usually don't like it when their roots sit in too much water. Water your plants when the soil on top feels dry. The amount can change based on how humid it is and how warm it is inside so you should look at it often.

It's a good idea to trim your plants often because it helps them grow better and look fuller. If you pinch the tips of the plant it might start to grow thicker and fuller. Pick your crops in the morning when the flavors are strongest. It's best to do this right before the plant starts to bloom.

Making a great cup of coffee

1. **Getting Your Herbs Ready:** Give your herbs a quick wash to get rid of any dirt or bugs. After that make sure they dry all the way in a shady spot with good air flow and if you can hang them upside down. After your herbs are dry put them in containers that keep air out and keep them away from light and dampness.

2. Here is your herbal tea recipe. Begin with the basics. To make a nice drink mix together the same amount of dried basil and mint and add a little bit of dried lemon balm. Put a tablespoon of this mix in hot water and let it sit for about 5 to 7 minutes. You can add honey if you want it sweeter.

3. Check out some mixes when you feel ready and try out various combinations. Basil goes really well with citrus peels and if you throw in some lavender buds it adds a nice calming touch to unique blends.

Growing Plants in a Way That Lasts

Making a garden for herbal tea is not only about feeling independent. It is a move toward living in a way that doesn't waste resources and is better for the environment. If you grow herbs at home you won't need to buy packaged teas and that helps cut down on waste. Also herbs such as basil can bring in helpful pollinators when they are planted outside which helps increase the variety of life.

Take on the experience as it comes.

Keep in mind that gardening is just as much about how you do it as it is about what you end up with. Each cup of tea you make shows that you have gone through the whole process of growing the plants taking care of them picking them and then drinking the tea. If you like being eco-friendly trying new tastes or just enjoy taking care of plants growing your own herbal tea garden can be really satisfying throughout the year. Picture this. Each time you take a drink of your custom-made coffee you are enjoying a taste that reflects your own style and connects to your beginnings.