Growing Tea In Your Backyard
Growing tea in your backyard is not as hard as it may seem – It’s simple, fun and rewarding. With a little knowledge and effort, you can cultivate the teas you know and love and have a few new additions to your cupboard along the way. Here’s how you can get started…
Gather Your Supplies
You will need a few supplies if you want to grow tea in your backyard. Below is an overview of everything you need:
- Tea seeds: Start by getting the right kind of tea seeds. You can easily find the ones you want online or at a local nursery.
- Soil: Make sure that your soil is rich and well-draining. A soil with a good amount of organic matter is recommended.
- Tools: Gardening tools such as a spade, rake and hand trowel are necessary for planting and harvesting.
Prepare The Soil
Once you have all the supplies you need, it’s time to prepare the soil. Start by digging and turning the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches. Then, add a good amount of compost or aged manure to the soil to improve drainage and fertility. Finally, shape the soil into mounds or raised beds that are 2-3 feet apart.
Plant The Seeds
Tea seeds are very small, so be sure to plant them carefully and thinly. Plant them in the mounds or raised beds that you created, about 4 inches apart. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water thoroughly.
Maintenance And Harvesting
In order for your tea to grow, it needs full sun, adequate watering and a bit of care. Make sure to water your tea plants regularly and weed around them to keep the soil fertile. Tea plants are ready to harvest when their leaves are tender and can be plucked easily. Carefully pick the leaves and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Conclusion
Growing tea in your backyard is a fun and rewarding experience. With a bit of knowledge and effort, you can easily cultivate the same teas you find in the store, as well as enjoy a few new surprises along the way.
