Container Herb Plants for Homegrown Tea Blends

In addition to flowering plants and perennials being used for tea, many ingredients for tea blends are from herb plants. Here are some herbs even small-gardeners can grow in kitchen containers, porch pots or other containers.

Mints for Cooling and Refreshing Tea

Peppermint and spearmint are favorite tea ingredients, used both individually as a straight peppermint tea, or in blends to add a cooling element to any other tea ingredient. The mints are not only easy to grow in containers, but usually should be grown in containers to prevent spreading via runners throughout neighboring garden spaces. With so many mint cultivars available it is possible to spice up a tea blend with chocolate mints, pure spearmints, licorice mint, apple mint, or even some citrus mints like lemon and lime mints. Growing mints in containers will prevent them from spreading but will allow them to grow very well, to a height of about 12-18 inches. Gardeners should give mints moderate water levels and full or part sun. The ability of mint to grow well in partial shade is a boon to container gardeners.

Sage for Cleansing and Medicinal Tea

Sage has been used for ages as a perennial culinary herb, but also as a medicinal and strong tea. Sage tea is like the aroma of the herb – strong, semi-bitter but generally pleasant. Sage tolerates semi-drought well so gardeners find it easy to grow in container plantings. The leaves of sage are highly aromatic, in addition to being attractively textured. As a tea, sage was used historically for cleansing and its antiseptic properties make it useful for sore throats when people are sick. Most sources seem to agree that the leaves are best harvested when they are young and tender, before the plant becomes too woody and even more bitter.

Lemon Balm for Easy Tea Blending

Lemon balm is an herbaceous plant that grows well in containers and tolerates part shade well. Lemon balm tends to spread in the garden spaces so it is a good choice for planters. In tea, lemon balm adds a predictably citrus tone. This makes it a great choice for lightening stronger tea ingredients, or adding a refreshing, uplifting feel to an herbal tea blend. Lemon balm shouldn’t be grown in full, direct sunlight for the best flavor. Historically the tea was used to balance hormones, to relax upset stomachs and other digestive ails, and lift spirits when someone is emotionally down. For the strongest flavor, harvest leaves for tea before the early summer flowers appear, and dry what is needed to last throughout the year. Lemon balm divides easily or can be grown from cuttings, so gardeners shouldn’t be afraid to ask their neighbors to share!

Whatever gardening situation a home landscaper is faced with, everyone has enough room in a porch container or porch rail to grow some of these potted herbs for homemade tea blends. The element of self-sufficient living is a refreshing change from having to purchase everything, and can help cut back on the family grocery budget as well. As always, gardeners who are growing plants for consumption, will want to make sure all the plants are grown free of pesticides and other toxic chemicals. When possible, use organically grown plants only.