How to Grow Your Own Tea Garden at Home

Imagine stepping into your backyard, picking a few fresh mint or chamomile leaves, and brewing a cup of homegrown herbal tea. No mystery ingredients and no shipping miles.

Growing your own tea garden is easier than you might think. Whether you have a sunny balcony, a small patio, or a full backyard to work with, you can enjoy fresher flavors, save money, and grow beautiful plants that attract pollinators and benefit the rest of your garden.

Related: A Beginner's Guide to Year-Round Gardening on Your Homestead

Choosing the Right Space

Love drinking tea, but you're not sure where to begin growing it? Even in small spaces, growers can grow tea gardens. Whether you have a rental apartment, expansive backyard, a small patio, a container garden on a deck, or a 20x20-foot garden plot, we have a plan for you.

Must-haves for in-ground and container garden plots:

• Ample sunlight

• Rich, well-draining soil on flat land

• Protection from high winds and rain

• Accessible fresh water

Watch how the sun tracks in your yard, patio, or deck and determine the sunniest spot. Your plants will need six to eight hours of sunlight daily. Monitor for soggy soil and pay attention on windy days. The location should be safe from strong winds and harsh sun. Some afternoon shade is acceptable.

Planning Your Tea Garden

Start by deciding whether you want to grow your tea plants in garden beds or containers. Sketch the space you’ll be using, noting where the sun falls, where the wind is strongest, and where you have easy access to water. Mark any fences, trees, or buildings that might create shade.

Your sketch doesn’t have to be fancy, but drawing it roughly to scale will help you later when you choose your plants. Once you’ve researched the herbs and tea plants you want to grow, map out where each will go based on their height, sunlight needs, and spacing.

If you're growing in containers, choose sizes that match your plants' needs and your ability to move them. Our grow bag collection, ranging from 2 to 200 gallons, offers great drainage and air-pruning. Smaller grow bag sizes can easily be brought indoors during colder months, while larger sizes are best left in place. Window planters are also a great option if your best sunlight is right outside your window.

For a more permanent setup, raised beds made from untreated wood or garden-safe metal offer sturdy options without the risk of chemical leaching. If planting directly in the ground, plan beds about 30 inches wide to make transplanting, weeding, and harvesting easier.

Consider Various Layouts for Peak Performance

If you're planting beds against a fence or building, position the tallest plants, like bee balm and echinacea, toward the back. This way, lower-growing plants can spill forward without being shaded, making harvesting and maintenance easier.

In open spaces, plant taller perennials along the north side of your garden to keep them from blocking the sun. You can also frame your garden by placing taller perennials around three edges and leaving the center open for smaller annuals. Alternate mounding plants like lavender with upright plants like ginger or lemongrass to create a balanced look.

Group plants with similar sunlight, water, and soil needs together to keep care simple. For example, chamomile, lavender, and sage all need full sun, while lemon balm can tolerate a little shade. Herbs from drier regions, like rosemary and lavender, prefer sandy soil and hot sun, while tea plants appreciate richer, more consistently moist soil.

As you design, think about not just how your plants will grow, but how the colors, shapes, and heights will work together to create a space you love. Square-foot gardening is a simple method for organizing smaller spaces efficiently. Learn more in our guide, Square-Foot Gardening Basics: How to Plant a Square-Foot Garden.

Selecting Tea Plants for Your Garden

Did you know that all traditional caffeinated tea leaves come from the same tea plant? It’s true. The plant is called Camellia sinensis. The difference in the final product depends on how the leaves and flowers are harvested, dried, fermented, or processed before packaging. For example, Earl Grey tea is simply black tea infused with bergamot essential oil.

Camellia sinensis is an evergreen shrub native to China’s Yunnan province and parts of eastern Asia. It grows best in USDA Zones 7 to 9 but can survive colder climates with winter protection or by growing in containers and moving them indoors. Tea plants prefer rich, moist, well-draining soil with a pH below 6. They thrive in full sun but can tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter regions. Adding compost helps improve drainage and supports healthy root development.

You can find tea plants and cuttings online, at nurseries, or from specialty seed and tree companies. One or two plants are usually enough to supply a small household with fresh tea leaves. As they mature, tea plants reach 6 to 15 feet tall and produce small, aromatic yellow flowers in fall and early winter. They also make attractive privacy hedges or focal points in the garden.

Tip for warmer climates:  If you live in Zone 9 or warmer, you have a few more options. Yerba Mate, a popular caffeine-producing plant in South America, grows well in hot climates. Yaupon Holly, native to the southern United States, has also been used traditionally to brew caffeinated teas and makes a hardy evergreen landscaping plant.

Bergamot in a purple 5" nursery pot and Chamomile in an orange 5" nursery pot.

Herbal Plants for Tea Gardens

Unlike traditional tea plants, herbal tea herbs do not contain caffeine. Many of these herbs, like mint, chamomile, and lemon balm, are easy to grow at home. Some can be aggressive spreaders, so it is best to plant them in containers or dedicate specific areas where they can expand without causing trouble.

• Mint (Mentha piperita L. (peppermint) and Mentha spicata L. (spearmint)):Peppermint and spearmint are classic choices for tea gardens. A blend of the two offers a refreshing, balanced flavor, and specialty varieties like mojito mint or chocolate mint add unique twists. Mint is easy to grow but needs regular pruning to prevent it from taking over. Water consistently and harvest often to encourage a full, bushy growth habit. For best results, plant mint in full sun and enjoy a cup of mint tea after meals to aid digestion or soothe nausea.

• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla):Chamomile brings a lightly sweet, slightly bitter flavor that is perfect for evening teas. Choose from common chamomile (perennial) or German chamomile (annual). Chamomile seeds need light to germinate, so scatter them gently over the surface of the soil or a shallow tray. It is a rapid self-seeder, making it easy to expand your chamomile patch year after year. Harvest flowers early in the morning, just before they fully open, from June to September. You can use the petals fresh or dry them for later use.

• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis): A member of the mint family, lemon balm is known for its citrusy fragrance and calming properties. It attracts pollinators, repels pests, and may even improve the flavor of nearby vegetables. Studies continue to explore lemon balm’s effects on promoting relaxation, improving sleep, and supporting mood, as discussed inClinical Efficacy and Tolerability of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) in Psychological Well-Being: A Review .
  Plant lemon balm in full sun with well-draining soil, and harvest the leaves regularly to promote new growth. Space plants about 18 inches apart to give them room to spread. Lemon balm can become unruly over time, so plan to divide it every few years.

• Tulsi or holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum):Tulsi is a sacred herb in many cultures and is prized for its adaptogenic qualities. It grows much like Italian basil and should be started indoors about eight weeks before your last frost, using aheat mat if you have one to encourage faster germination.Avoid transplanting it outdoors until the frost risk has passed, as it will not tolerate frost or extended periods of temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Frost blankets will help protect plants from any sudden fluctuations. Harvest both flowers and leaves to dry for tea. The more you harvest, the more this plant will produce.

• Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa): also known as asian sour leaf hibiscus, is grown in many countries and used to make teas and agua fresca. The leaves are also edible and used in salads and soups. Roselle is grown as an annual in most regions but can perennialize in areas that do not experience frost. The seeds are started after soaking for 12-24 hours. Pinch back the plant early to encourage branching. According to the University of Florida Extension, a single plant can produce up to 12 pounds of fruit. The calyx is harvested and dried after removing the seed. They can then be boiled whole or crushed and added to tea blends.

When planning your tea garden, always consider the growing zone, soil type, and sunlight needs of each plant. Choose varieties that will thrive in your conditions and, if possible, return year after year with minimal effort.

Rosemary planted in a blue 5" nursery pot, holy basil planted in a pink 5" nursery pot, and lemon balm planted in a green 5" nursery pot.

More tea ingredients you can grow

Once you have a few staple herbs established, consider adding even more variety to your tea garden. These plants offer unique flavors, beautiful blooms, and new blending possibilities:

• Rose Hips (high in vitamin C)

• Passionflower

• Ginger

• Echinacea

• Anise hyssop (which offers a unique licorice flavor)

• Bee balm

• Lavender (which has anti-inflammatory and relaxation properties)

• Rosemary

• Sage

Create tea blends for digestion, inflammation, and the cold season to sell at your market stand or farm store.Learn more about growing and selling specialty crops in our Market Gardening Blogs.

Preparing the Soil

Begin your tea garden with loose, slightly acidic, well-draining, rich soil. Add compost or coco coir to garden plots to increase organic matter. Use the Rapitest® soil pH meter and Rapitest® digital soil test kit to get a quick baseline of your soil’s pH and NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) levels. Read A Beginner's Guide to the Best Soil Amendments for Healthier Gardens to help understand your soil’s type, texture, structure, and what it needs for your tea garden to thrive. We recommend five easy-to-use soil amendments: aged manure or compost, worm castings, vermiculite or perlite, agricultural lime, and mulches like grass clippings, garden debris, and cover crops.

Tea plants prefer a pH between 4.0 and 5.5. According to Effect of Soil pH on the Uptake of Essential Elements by Tea Plant and Subsequent Impact on Growth and Leaf Quality, a pH much lower or higher than this level will stunt growth, limit the plant’s ability to uptake vital nutrients, and negatively impact the fragrance.

While synthetic fertilizers offer an immediate boost of nutrients to plants, they are not a long-term solution for garden care. Use them to get your garden going with the necessary nutrients, but then we recommend transitioning to organic options for a healthier and more sustainable choice. You won’t need to worry about runoff or plant immunity, causing you to need more year after year. 

VIDEO: How to Test Your Soil and Prep Your Garden for Spring

Planting and Caring for Your Tea Garden

Many new gardeners rely on nurseries or local farmers for plant starts, eliminating the guesswork of the seed-starting process. However, starting seeds is another way to save money and gain confidence in gardening.

Starting Plants From Seed

Select your preferred seed trays for seed-sowing, and use our 1020 extra-strength trays with no holes to easily bottom-water young seedlings. Use humidity domes during germination; our multi-colored or copper plant labels will help you stay organized. Up-pot as seedlings grow and require more space. Transplant according to your garden design after properly hardening the plants off and spacing them in garden beds according to the seed packet instructions. 

Watering Schedule and Techniques

Water plants two to three times weekly, monitoring them in between. Do not allow them to dry out or become soggy. Water more often when conditions are hot and sunny for extended periods. After the first year, perennial plants will become more hands-off and resilient. Our raised bed drip irrigation kit will ensure your plants get the water they need straight to their roots. Keep a watering journal and adjust based on how the soil reacts.

Managing Pests and Diseases Organically

For integrated pest management, we recommend combining cultural practices with biological control. To help control pest populations, use insect netting and attract natural enemies like green lacewings and pirate bugs. Our DIY low tunnel kits are a cinch to assemble and transport to various areas of your garden that need seasonal protection. Pair these with frost blankets or insect netting for premium protection.

Harvesting and Storing Your Tea Herbs

When and how to harvest tea herbs depends on the type and whether you want the leaves, flowers, or both.

Tips for Harvesting Your Tea Herbs

• The youngest leaves will be the most tender and flavorful.

• Pinch leaf clusters above growing nodes to encourage continuous growth.

• Always harvest in the early morning, once the dew has dried, and before it gets too hot.

• While you can harvest tea plant leaves year-round, the most flavorful leaves will come from the first spring harvest, which lasts from February to May, depending on your region.

• Process leaves immediately after harvest to capture the best flavor and quality tea.

Fun fact: Tea plant leaves picked earlier in the season contain more caffeine.

Drying Your Tea Herbs

Most home growers air dry their herbs by bunching them together and providing a well-ventilated, dark area with low relative humidity. This method works well for lavender, sage, and rosemary.

Consider the oven or a dehydrator for basil and mint. Other popular techniques include air-drying in 1020 mesh extra strength trays, microwaving, and placing herbs in a paper bag in a warm car. Read How to Dry Basil and Other Herbs: Top Tips for Preserving Homegrown Herbs for more details and pro tips.

Storing Your Tea Herbs For a Long Shelf Life and Optimal Flavor

Once your herbs and tea leaves are sufficiently dried, store them in airtight containers away from light and moisture. We prefer glass containers with tight-fitted lids, but plastic works, too. A glass jar vacuum sealer will pull air out of the glass after you put a lid on it, helping extend the product's shelf life.

Labeling the type, variety, and year is vital to identifying what you have in your stock and using the oldest first. Under ideal storage conditions, most dried herbs will last up to a year. Following these simple rules will help the tea maintain its flavor and aroma in storage. 

Bootstrap tip:  Experts discourage freezing tea leaves as the flavor is negatively impacted due to temperature fluctuations.

Enhancing Your Tea Garden

Tea gardens aren’t just for growing tea to enjoy in the winter but for aesthetics and a visually appealing backyard or patio area. Learn to thoughtfully position fences, colorful borders, and organic mulches to add to the garden’s vibe. Throw in a water feature to provide fresh hydration to passing birds and other vital pollinators.

Borders and Pathways in Tea Gardens

When starting a garden from scratch, add in pathways, colorful borders, hedgerows, and fences to ensure it’s a place you want to hang out and enjoy while providing tea ingredients in abundance.

Pathways could be white or red clover, yarrow, or woodchips, adding nutrients to the soil and preventing erosion. Or, if you’d like, choose something with more staying power like, ¾-inch stone for a crisp, tidy appearance. 

Bootstrap tip: Lay landscape fabric down as a weed barrier beneath the stones.

The Benefits of Companion Planting

When designing tea gardens, you can add many companion plants that help deter pests to your tea blends, making them do double duty. Herbs like cilantro, basil, calendula, and lemon balm make delicious and soothing teas while repelling aphids, spider mites, and deer, and possibly enhancing the flavor of your teas.

Add trailing nasturtium, sweet Alyssum, oregano, or thyme to the outer edge of raised metal or wooden beds, allowing them to spill over the edge. They’ll add beauty, charm, and IPM benefits. Some serve as trap crops to keep pesky insects away from your precious herbs. Learn about companion planting benefits and how to get started in our article, "Boost Harvests with Companion Planting: Top Garden Pairings."

Bootstrap tip: Consider tall, sturdy plants like borage, which can support other plants growing nearby and alleviate the need for staking. 

Pruning in Preparation for Winter

Like most evergreens, you should tidy up the shape and canopy in the fall to enhance circulation and prepare the plant for dormancy. Avoid making significant cuts until the plant is dormant in late winter or early fall. This pruning session should focus on removing damaged or diseased branches, reshaping the shrubs, and tidying up your containers. Cut back annual and perennial herbs to the soil surface and compost the debris. Removing old stems will promote healthy growth in the spring while the root system remains in the ground.  

If you don’t want your plants to drop seeds in place, cut them back before they can do so. Otherwise, prune or harvest your plants throughout the year to encourage them to grow and produce. Take splits of plants that allow them to keep their root systems healthy and share them with a friend. 

FAQs for Designing a Tea Garden 

What are the best container options for a tea garden?

Use containers that allow plants to expand and have ample drainage holes. Avoid using clay, ceramic, or steel as they’ll get too hot. If you're building a wooden raised bed, select untreated wood. Keep plants in the mint family separate to avoid a takeover. 

How often should I water my tea plants?

As with most young plants, water them more frequently as they become established. You want the soil to remain moist but not soggy. Water the plants about two to three times a week, more during drought conditions. Ensure the soil is well-drained to avoid root rot.

What common pests should I watch out for?

Tea plants are most commonly vulnerable to leaf miners, tea scale, mites, aphids, caterpillars, thrips, and tea mosquito bugs. Spittlebugs may leave froth on herbs, but are only infrequently damaging. 

Can I grow tea plants indoors?

Tea plants grow best in USDA growing zones 7 to 9. Some growers in colder zones have had success growing the plants in containers and bringing them indoors during winter. 

How do I know when my herbs are ready to harvest?

Harvest the herbs that you use the leaves of before they flower to ensure the best flavor and aroma. Once they flower, the flavor may become more bitter. Harvest the herbs you want the flowers from when they open, but not entirely. Harvesting in the early morning before the sun's full heat is best. Avoid harvesting more than ⅓ of the foliage of a plant at any time. Cut above nodes to encourage continuous growth and a busher growth habit. 

What teas are best to grow for kombucha brewing?

Kombucha brewing requires black or green tea for the first fermentation phase, so you’ll need a tea plant or two. It is full of rich probiotics, and you may consume it as is. However, many people do a second fermentation when they add flavors. Get creative, adding your favorite berries, herbs, and citrus. Lemon balm will add an intense citrus punch, while basil and mint will create something more earthy that pairs well with strawberries and blueberries.