The Budget Savvy Travelers (@thebstravelers)

Grow Your Own Tea Garden 🌿(Pictured below: pineapple weed or wild chamomile) In much of Europe, it's completely normal to find bags of dried chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm, nettle, and other herbs in everyday grocery stores. In Chicagoland, many Slavic and Eastern European grocery stores carry a wide selection of dried herbs for homemade teas, which we can buy there, too! The good news? Many of these herbs are incredibly easy to grow yourself. Easy Herbs for Homemade Tea These beginner-friendly herbs grow well in gardens, raised beds, and even small containers: 🌼 Chamomile 🌿 Lemon Balm 🌿 Peppermint 🌿 Spearmint 🌿 Bee Balm (Monarda) 🌿 Holy Basil (Tulsi) 🌿 Lavender 🌿 Lemon Verbena Many of these can thrive in pots on a patio, balcony, or sunny windowsill. When to Harvest Harvest herbs when they are healthy, vibrant, and free of damage. General guidelines: 🌿 Leaves: Pick before the plant flowers for the strongest flavor. 🌼 Flowers: Harvest shortly after blooms fully open. 🌞 Harvest in the morning after dew has dried but before the heat of the day. Avoid harvesting wet plants after rain. How to Dry Herbs Rinse only if necessary. Pat dry completely. Bundle stems loosely together. Hang upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Alternatively, spread herbs in a single layer on a screen or drying rack. Most herbs dry within 1–2 weeks. You'll know they're ready when leaves crumble easily and flowers feel crisp. How to Make Tea Store dried herbs in airtight jars away from light and moisture. Add 1–2 teaspoons of dried herbs per cup of hot water. Cover and steep for 5–10 minutes. Strain and enjoy. Experiment with blends such as: 🌼 Chamomile + Lemon Balm 🌿 Peppermint + Spearmint 🌿 Lemon Balm + Lavender Helpful Resources 📚 Check out your local library - look for something like the Beginners Guide to Herbal Teas, Infusions & Remedies: https://amzn.to/4xXdmS3 #ad Tip: You can find smaller quality non-GMO seed brands at major retailers, like Organo Republic, but find seeds that work for you! --> https://walmrt.us/4uQRvJ0 #ad 🌱 Chamomile Seeds 🌱 Lemon Balm Seeds 🌱 Peppermint Plants 🍵 Stainless Steel Stick Tea Infuser for Loose Herbs Two options to consider based on needs: -->Spoonlike Infuser https://walmrt.us/4w0TFqw #ad -->Extra Fine Mesh https://amzn.to/4aUd1VZ #ad There's something satisfying about turning a handful of herbs from your garden into a warm cup of tea. Start with one plant, learn its harvest window, and build your tea garden from there. #WalmartPartner