Another week has passed, and we’re so happy and productive at The Community Garden by Think Ability Inc.
Do you love drinking tea? If so, did you know that you can grow many of the herbs used in teas right in your garden? Growing herbs for tea is a great way to get fresh herbs all year long, and it's also a fun project for gardeners of all levels of experience. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best herbs to grow for tea, as well as how to go about growing them. We'll also provide some recipes for delicious teas that you can make with your homegrown herbs!
Before we begin, let us share our updates at the garden!
The new Green House is almost done, and we are so excited to move in and begin growing more veggies! This new space will allow us to better control the environment, providing the perfect conditions for our plants. Additionally, it will give us the opportunity to expand our operations and experiment with new varieties of vegetables. We can't wait to get started and see what this new adventure brings!
Egyptian spinach, otherwise known as molokhia, is a leafy green vegetable that is common in Middle Eastern cuisine. The plant is believed to have originated in Egypt, and it has been cultivated for centuries. Today, Egyptian spinach is grown in many parts of the world, and it is prized for its flavor and nutritional value. The leaves of the plant are typically cooked in soups or stews, and they can also be eaten raw in salads. Egyptian spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, and it is also a good source of iron. If you are looking for a delicious and healthy way to add more greens to your diet, be sure to try Egyptian spinach.
The striped Armenian cucumbers here at the community garden are so good and crisp. They also make the prettiest pickles or salads! The best thing about these cucumbers is that they have a very light, delicate flavor. This makes them perfect for adding to salads, as they won't overpower other ingredients. They're also great for pickling, as the flavor is light enough that it won't overwhelm the vinegar. I'm definitely going to be making more cucumber salad and pickles in the future! Thanks for grown such delicious cucumbers!
Don’t forget to ask for some every Friday during the Duncan Farmers Market, from 4 pm to 8 pm, and we will pick you some fresh and delicious ones!
Here at the garden, we still have sun and shade Coleus! These plants are great for adding pops of color in those spots where the heat has taken out some of your existing plants in either your pots or your flower beds. Not only do they add color, but they are also heat resistant and do not require a lot of water to stay healthy. So, if you are looking for a plant that can brighten up your garden and require minimal care, then Coleus is the plant for you!
Out with the old and in with the new! This is a common saying when it comes to many things, including our material possessions. We often get attached to our things and it can be hard to let go, even when we know it's time for something new. However, there are also many benefits to making some space in our lives for new things. It can help us to feel refreshed and renewed, like we're starting fresh. It can also give us a chance to get rid of things that no longer serve us, which can be liberating. So this weekend, take advantage of the 35% off sale on all existing pots and make some room for something new in your life. You might be surprised at how good it feels.
Brewing a cup of herbal tea is one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to enjoy fresh herbs. Herbal teas can be made using various parts of a plant, such as the leaves, flowers, seeds, or even the roots. The process involves pouring boiling water over your choice of herbs and steeping until your desired flavor is reached. While there are many delicious store-bought herbal teas available, there's nothing quite like brewing your own cup using fresh, homegrown herbs. Don't be shy to branch out and mix several herb combinations to create your own unique blend. Whether you're looking to relax after a long day or simply want to enjoy the flavor and health benefits of fresh herbs, brewing a cup of herbal tea is the perfect way to do it.
Here are some best herbs that you can grow in your garden!
Chamomile
Many individuals drink chamomile tea before night because of its well-known relaxing effects. After supper, you should enjoy its pleasant, apple-like flavor to gratify your palate. The calming effects of the tea can be enhanced by adding honey.
Pinch off around two tablespoons of flower heads each cup and simmer for 10 minutes to make fresh tea.
To brew dried flower heads, put roughly two teaspoons of them in a tea infuser and let them steep for ten minutes.
Mint
There are numerous varieties of mint, and each one has a unique range of energizing flavors and fragrances. Mint can take on flavors other than peppermint and spearmint, such as chocolate, orange, and many others. Although fresh leaves have the best flavor, dried leaves have a longer flavor retention time.
To make fresh tea, crush a few mint leaves before adding water for added flavor. Then, steep the tea until desired strength.
To brew dried leaves, put roughly a teaspoon of them in a tea infuser, then steep them for however long you like.
Rosemary
The flavor and aroma of rosemary are potent, and the resulting tea can have a strong flavor. To create a cup of tea, use one teaspoon of dried or fresh leaves. Rosemary steeps quickly, and you can add honey to the tea to lessen its strong flavor.
For a fresh brew, pinch off about a teaspoon of fresh fronds per cup and let them steep for a few minutes; if you crushed the leaves first, you might need a little less.
Dried leaves should be steeped for a few minutes after being placed in a tea infuser with around a teaspoon of dried leaves.
Stevia
Stevia is extremely sweet and is referred to as the "sugar plant." The homegrown type of stevia is a green, leafy plant, as opposed to the white, sugar-like variety that is sold in stores. Stevia is advantageous for diabetics because it may be used in any tea in place of sugar.
To make fresh tea, pinch off a few leaves and steep them until the required sweetness is reached.
To brew dry stevia, either mix the dried leaves beforehand or crumble them into a tea infuser before steeping until the required sweetness is reached.
Lemon Balm
A close relative of mint, lemon balm blends the astringency of lemon with the coolness of mint. The tea is a fantastic beverage to have just before bed because it helps with sleep, memory improvement, stress reduction, and upset stomachs. Although dried leaves might give a more herbal flavour, fresh leaves typically work best.
For a fresh brew, smash the leaves before adding water for more flavor. Pinch 3-4 leaves and steep to taste.
To brew dried leaves, put roughly a teaspoon of them in a tea infuser, then steep them for however long you like
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The Community Garden supports individuals with developmental disabilities, creating opportunities for success through its residential and vocational programs.