Did Someone Say TEA?

Brandi Spade, contributor

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Photo: Steven Cominsky

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The only thing that rivals my plant obsession is my need for tea. And lest you think I’m not picky on top of obsessive, I rarely delve into the bags of tea leaf remains grocery stores try to pass off to unsuspecting customers. It’s loose leaf all the way for me. I hoard it in kitchen cabinets, pile it in baskets, and stack it on shelves. If there's a sale at the local tea shop, I'm there. Then one day as I was purchasing my latest ware, it dawned on me -- tea comes from a plant. Not only can I collect it dry, I can grow it live. Why didn't I think of this before?

Knowing that the tea plant (Camellia sinensis, USDA Hardiness Zones 7-9) doesn’t typically grow in the cool climate of Connecticut, I’ve signed on for my latest gardening challenge. This lush green shrub with subtly scented blooms is within my reach, I can feel it.

Now, I could have ordered a baby tea plant, but where’s the challenge in that?

I'm currently awaiting my shipment of one seed packet, ten seeds to a pack. I have the perfect spot with a grow light already in place and am contemplating investing in a seed starter heating pad. I'm curious how well they work, if anyone out there has used one before. Now, once the seeds arrive, let the tea growing begin!

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