TEA GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS: An Essential Guide to Planting, Harvesting, and Blending Teas and Tisanes
By Jimson Lewis
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About this ebook
Tea has been enjoyed by people all across the globe for far longer than you would think. The first cup of tea was supposedly brewed in China about 2600 BC when dried herbs were accidentally blown into a pot of hot water. The mythology is debatable, but one thing is certain: humanity has been making tea for over 2,000 years.
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TEA GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS - Jimson Lewis
Introduction
Tea has been enjoyed by people all across the globe for far longer than you would think. The first cup of tea was supposedly brewed in China about 2600 BC when dried herbs were accidentally blown into a pot of hot water. The mythology is debatable, but one thing is certain: humanity has been making tea for over 2,000 years.
We also know there are over 20,000 distinct tea varieties; this is fantastic news for tea fans constantly looking for new tastes and scents to add to their pantry. It is great news for individuals who have always dreamed of growing their tea in the comfort of their homes.
A tea garden can be a lovely spot to relax. Many believe growing tea is difficult, but it is quite easy and gratifying.
Tea gardens offer a variety of health advantages and have a pleasant fragrance. There are several options for building a tea garden, each with its aesthetic and functional benefits. You can plant outdoors in a vegetable patch or in the backyard. Another option is to create a larger-scale tea garden with plants of several species in the front or even the side yard of your home.
A tea garden gives you immediate access to fresh, aromatic herbs. It enables you to be creative, combining various crops to create one-of-a-kind combinations. It might seem intimidating or sophisticated, but cultivating tea components is a terrific endeavor for novice and professional gardeners.
Many plants can create a fragrant and pleasant ambiance in your tea garden. Everyone will love the scent produced by your garden. Growing tea in an unusual garden at home might also improve the space’s aesthetic appeal. You can even use the tea plant’s foliage to create a miniature landscape on your balcony or patio.
The most important aspect of growing tea plants is obtaining high-quality, viable seeds. Slightly acidic soil and warm summers and chilly winters are optimal conditions for growing these plants. They must only be planted in well-drained locations with at least 30 inches of rain each year.
Start here if you’re new to gardening. This book walks you through the fundamentals of gardening to get you started immediately and enjoy the benefits. Discussed in detail are growing and reproducing plants, enhancing soil quality, identifying healthy plants, and selecting the best plants for your garden.
It details the cultivation of several plants to produce teas and tisanes. You can use your backyard, balcony, or window sill as a tea cabinet.
Most herbs are easy to grow (they flourish in pots on sunny windowsills). Brewing tasty tea is as simple as putting a few freshly harvested leaves in hot water or as difficult as drying plants and mixing numerous components to create unique blends.
Starting a tea garden and savoring fresh, aromatic garden-to-cup tea is a terrific way to embrace your affection for this traditional drink, whether you’ve never cared for a plant before or have a huge garden and want a new interest.
This straightforward and practical guide will set you up for success.
Chapter 1
The Ancient Origins of Tea
Tea has a long and complicated history that dates back thousands of years. Its origins can be traced back to the Chinese Emperor Shennong, who supposedly discovered tea in 2737 BC. Since then, tea drinking became increasingly popular throughout Asia and spread westward along trade routes, eventually finding its way into Europe in the Renaissance period. Tea drinking slowly gained popularity among the upper classes, with many nobles holding elaborate ceremonies serving various teas. By the 17th century, Britain had become particularly fond of tea and would soon introduce it to its American colonies.
Today, tea is still an integral part of many cultures around the world. From China with its traditional Gongfu ceremony to Japan’s Matcha-drinking rituals and the British afternoon tea tradition, each culture has developed its own customs for enjoying tea. As a result, hundreds of varieties are available, ranging from herbal infusions to black teas, oolongs, and more. So, no matter how you take your tea – with milk, honey, or on its own – remember to thank the ancient Chinese Emperor Shennong for introducing us to this centuries-old beverage.
The Geographical History and Origins of Tea
1. China
Tea was supposedly discovered in China during the Shang Dynasty (1600BC-1046BC). According to legend, Emperor Shen Nong, an early pioneer of agriculture and herbal medicine, accidentally discovered tea when leaves from a nearby wild tea tree blew into his pot of boiling water. Amazed by the delightful aroma, he drank the resulting brew and found it refreshing.
Tea consumption spread throughout China during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), becoming a daily beverage firmly entrenched in Chinese society. In 780 AD Lu Yu wrote Ch’a Ching,
considered the first book on tea—detailing methods for cultivating, harvesting, and processing tea. By this time, vast amounts of land had been given over to tea cultivation, and the beverage had become a popular drink among all social classes. In the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD), tea became an integral part of Chinese culture, becoming more than just a refreshing beverage. During this period, people began using powdered tea in traditional ceremonies. Tea drinking evolved into an art form, with scholars composing poems about the various qualities of different teas.
The Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368 AD) saw the introduction of brick-pressed teas from Tibet and Mongolia, which spread to other parts of China during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD). The popularity of these teas peaked during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911 AD) when tea trading became a major industry, and Chinese teas were exported to other countries.
Today, tea is still a part of everyday life in China. Tea drinking remains an important part of many traditional ceremonies, like weddings and funerals. Tea culture has evolved over the centuries and continues to be appreciated by people worldwide for its flavor, aroma, and health benefits. Tea consumption in China remains strong even today, with China being one of the top leading producers of tea throughout the world. In addition to its use as a beverage, tea is also used for medicinal purposes in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The various teas produced in China vary significantly based on where they are produced, how they are processed, and what tea plants are used. It is clear that tea has been a part of Chinese culture for hundreds of years and will continue to be enjoyed for many more generations.
2. Japan
Tea has been a popular beverage in Japan since the 9th century. Historians believe it arrived in Japan during the Heian period (794-1185) when Japanese Buddhist monks traveling to China brought tea back with them as gifts. Tea ceremonies began around this time, becoming more popular and widespread during the Muromachi period (1336-1573). During this period, green tea was considered a luxury item and was often used to pay taxes or as part of diplomatic exchanges.
By the 16th century, tea was so widely enjoyed that it became known as ocha
or tea of everyday life.
This marked an important change from its previous status as a luxurious gift item to bring comfort and relaxation to the everyday lives of Japanese citizens. Emperor Ogimachi (1517-1593) was a major proponent of tea ceremonies and helped spread their popularity further throughout Japan. The traditional tea ceremony, known as sado
or the way of tea,
became a respected art form in Japan by the 17th century. This ceremony involves preparing and serving matcha green tea with disciplined steps and movements to honor guests. It is still practiced today for special occasions like weddings, funerals, or welcoming important guests.
Today, drinking green tea is an important part of Japanese culture. Green tea continues to be popularly drunk at home, in restaurants, and at tea ceremonies. It is also enjoyed in various forms, like matcha ice cream or green tea lattes. No matter the form, green tea remains a beloved beverage that has been part of Japan’s culture for centuries.
3. Korea
Tea is known to have been brought from China to Korea during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE–668 CE). It was purposed as a medicinal drink and in royal court ceremonies during this period.
In the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392), tea drinking became even more popular among Koreans. Tea houses sprung up in many cities. The dynasty also encouraged Buddhist monks to plant tea gardens throughout the country. In particular, Jeju Island—still famed for its tea today—became an important center for tea production during this period.
The Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910) saw further developments in Korean tea culture, such as the establishment of tea ceremonies for enjoyment. During this era, Korean tea was known for its delicate flavor, achieved through careful steeping and handling by expert tea makers. As a result, it became very popular in China and Japan, where it was highly valued as a luxury item. In modern times, Korea has seen an increase in the popularity of green teas such as Boseong Green Tea and Hadong Green Tea. There is also a growing interest in other teas, including oolong, black tea, herbal teas, and fruit tisanes. Today, many people visit Korea to experience the unique culture of tea drinking that has developed over the centuries. Whether you are visiting or living there, exploring the world of Korean tea is undoubtedly an enjoyable and educational experience.
4. India
India is one of