How to Grow Raspberry Leaf Tea
Raspberry plant leaves make raspberry tea, therefore, growing raspberries will provide leaves for making tea. Actual tea from the tea plant, Camellia sinesis, is not necessary to make a good cup of raspberry tea. The best part about growing raspberry plants for leaves is the added benefit of the delicious fruit. Raspberries are full of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances and drinking tea made from the leaves gives the body many of those benefits. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- Garden tiller
- Compost
- Peat moss
- Fertilizer
- Garden lime
- Pruning shears
- Basket
- Rubber bands
- Airtight containers
- Cup with saucer or teapot
Instructions
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Find a variety suitable for your climate. Red raspberries are the type most used for medicinal purposes.
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Prepare a planting site for the raspberry plant. Raspberries need sun at least six hours per day. The roots are prone to rot when standing in water and require well-drained soil.
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Plant raspberry canes in early spring. Two plants will produce enough tea to last the winter. Perform a soil test to find the pH levels of the soil. Raspberries thrive at 5.8 to 6.5 levels. Add lime to acidic soil or compost to alkaline soil to suit the needs of the plant. Add a little compost and peat moss to make the soil light and airy.
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Dig a hole 1 foot deep and add a handful of 20-20-20 fertilizer and compost. Place the roots in, fill with soil and press to firm. Plant canes 3 feet apart with rows 6 feet apart. Water well after planting.
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Water plants during dry spells. Pick leaves at will, and after the plant grows larger, cut off the ends of some of the branches to keep the plant vigorous.
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Dry leaves in a basket hung from a rafter in an airy spot that is dry and out of the sun or hang branches bound with rubber bands. Once the leaves are dry, place them in an airtight container and store in a dark area.
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Make tea by adding 1 tsp. leaves per cup. Steep for five to 10 minutes in a covered cup or teapot and pour. Add a little crushed and strained raspberry juice for more flavor.
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Tips & Warnings
Raspberry tea will help ease diarrhea or menstrual cramps. Gargle with it for a sore throat or tonsillitis.
The fruit makes the plants very heavy so it is beneficial to trellis them. Make trellises with wood posts, crossbars and wire or plain chicken wire.
Raspberry canes spread by underground runners. Do not let them get too dense from year to year.
Never plant in an area where tomatoes, peppers or potatoes were planted in previous years. These vegetables carry a disease that is easily transmitted to raspberries.
References
Resources
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