Only after water, Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world. For over 5000 years it has played an unique role in history. It has brought people together and ripped people apart. It has made us feel better, think clearer, and comforted us when we needed it and affects us all - in body, mind and spirit. It has successfully been grown in regions all across the globe in both large scale plantations and in back yard gardens.
If you Grow Your Own Tea, it is not only healthier to consume but will be very rewarding to actually produce your own tea. Camellia sinensis or Tea is the ultimate edible plant. It can be grown in almost any location provided you supply its basic needs.
Climate
Tea can be grown outdoors in climate zones 7,8,9 and 10. It prefers warm, humid climates with adequate rainfall. In colder climates, of zone 6 and lower, tea can be grown during the dormant season in protected greenhouses, containers or even indoors - and outdoors during flushing season.
Soil
Camellia Sinensis prefers well drained soil with organic matter and sufficient nutrients. Soil pH of 5-6 is suitable. For container culture, avoid traditional bagged potting soils with a lot of peat moss that are commonly used for bedding plants and vegetables. They do not drain well and can suffocate the roots. Choose a mix that is organic in nature, has larger and smaller pieces of natural matter - sticks, barks, chips, etc. An orchid potting soil may work well as long as it has a mixture of organic matter.
Compost is an excellent addition to your mix, but make sure that you don't use so much that you end up with a mucky soil. A little is good while a lot may hold too much water. Remember, no wet feet for tea.
Fertilizing
A balanced diet is required for growing Camellia sinensis and organic fertilizers are usually the preferred choice with growers who produce their own tea.
Water - Humidity
Camellia sinensis prefers a humid environment with adequate moisture to not let the plant roots dry out.
Pruning
Each year, just before spring flush, prune plants heavily. Remove any dead or diseased limbs. Pruning will encourage new growth and lots of branches for a very bushy plant.
Harvesting
Harvest leaves from soft, fresh, new growth that begins in the spring. Don't harvest older growth. It won't taste good and removing too many older leaves could damage the plant. Harvesting season will be determined by your climate. The warmer your climate, the longer your harvesting season will be. Typically, in zone 8-9, the growing season will be from April-May thru September.