What could be more comforting than a cup of herbal tea, especially when brewed from leaves when you nurtured and raised in very own tea garden?

Materials:

1 decorative clay or metal planter

1 package of clay pellets (approx. 30 pellets)

3 packets of organic tea leaf seeds

Grow-rich or nutrient-rich potting soil

Directions:

1. Spread the clay pellets evenly along bottom of planter. These will absorb water and promote healthy root development.

2. Moisten the potting soil in a large plastic bag. Spread it over the clay pellets in planter, to within 1/2" of the top of the planter.

3. Sprinkle the tea leaf seeds onto the soil. Leave 2" between different varieties.

4. Lightly cover the seeds with dry soil, and then moisten that soil slightly. A spray bottle works well for this.

5. Affix a label with the names of the tea varieties written on it to the bottom or side of the planter. Alternately, create popsicle-stick signs and insert them in the soil.

6. Move the planter to a warm place with indirect sunlight until germination takes place. After germination, relocate the planter to a warm area with natural sunlight.

7. When the tea leaves reach a height of about 2", thin out the seedlings to provide adequate space for future growth.

8. Water periodically, when the soil is moderately dry.

9. Pick a few tea leaves (you don't need many) and steep in a pot of hot water. Sit back, sip and enjoy!