How to Grow a Mexican Herb Garden: A Señora’s Guide to Flavorful Teas

How do you grow a Mexican herb and tecito garden?

¡Hola, querida! If you’re dreaming of a lush, aromatic corner of your home filled with traditional Mexican herbs and teas, cultivating your own Mexican herb garden is simpler than you might think. With just a little love and attention and habit forming, you can create a space that brings authentic flavors and fragrant remedies straight to your kitchen – ones that may have been in the tea garden from your great grandmother.

Let’s talk about growing, caring for, and harvesting Mexican herbs so you can transform your meals and soothe your soul.

1. Select the Right Location

When planning your Mexican herb garden, the first step is finding a spot with plenty of sunshine. Most classic herbs—like cilantro, epazote, and Mexican oregano—thrive in at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Whether you have a dedicated garden bed, a small raised bed, or a row of pots on your balcony, give these herbs the light they deserve. If you’re planting in containers, opt for pots with proper drainage to prevent overwatering.

2. Choosing Traditional Mexican Herbs

• Cilantro (Coriander): Perhaps the most iconic Mexican herb, cilantro is used in salsas, soups, and garnishes for tacos. It grows quickly from seed and loves cool weather, so plant it in spring or fall to keep it from bolting in the heat.
• Epazote: This signature herb has a distinctive, earthy flavor often added to black beans and stews. Epazote is also known for aiding digestion. Plant it in well-drained soil and give it room to flourish.
• Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens): Different from the Mediterranean variety, Mexican oregano has citrusy undertones that add a signature touch to dishes like pozole and carne asada marinade. Ensure it has enough room for its bushy growth.
• Hierbabuena (Spearmint): This refreshing herb is commonly used in Mexican teas and desserts. Grown in partial shade or full sun, hierbabuena spreads quickly—so consider putting it in its own container to keep it from taking over your garden.
• Hierba Santa (Hoja Santa): With a heart-shaped leaf and a subtle anise flavor, hoja santa (also known as hierba santa) is popular in Oaxacan cuisine, often wrapped around fish or cheese. This tropical plant prefers warm, shaded areas and moist soil.
• Lemongrass (Té de Limón): Though not originally from Mexico, lemongrass has become a beloved tea ingredient (té de limón) throughout the country. Keep it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil—then snip the leafy stalks to brew a delightfully citrusy tea.

3. Soil Preparation and Organic Gardening

Your herbs will thank you for well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Mix compost or organic matter into your garden bed or potting mix to encourage strong roots. Since many of these herbs are used in cooking or for teas, avoid chemical pesticides. Instead, opt for natural remedies like neem oil or homemade soap sprays to keep pests at bay.

4. Watering and Herb Care

In a traditional Mexican herb garden, you’ll notice that each plant has its own watering preference. Cilantro appreciates consistently moist soil, while oregano prefers things on the drier side. Check soil moisture regularly by touching the top layer—if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Morning watering sessions help minimize mildew and give your plants a fresh start to the day.

5. Harvesting for Flavorful Teas and Recipes

As a Señora who loves to cook, I can’t stress enough the joy of harvesting fresh herbs just before meal prep. Pick cilantro leaves in the cool morning hours for the brightest flavor. Snip epazote stems or oregano sprigs when the plants are at their fullest for maximum aroma. Then, brew hierbabuena or lemongrass into a comforting tea that soothes any aches, uplifts the mood, and warms the heart.

6. Drying and Storing Your Herbs

Once you’ve harvested a big batch of herbs, it’s time to preserve their essence. Gently rinse the leaves and pat them dry. Hang small bundles upside down in a cool, airy space. Once fully dry, store them in airtight containers to retain their flavors for soups, stews, or homemade teas throughout the year.

7. Embrace the Slow-Living Lifestyle

Growing a Mexican herb garden is so much more than just tending plants—it’s an invitation to slower, intentional living from the women of your ancestral line. From gently watering each seedling to savoring every sip of freshly brewed té de limón, these daily rituals remind us to treasure life’s simple joys.

Whether you have a sprawling backyard or just a sunny windowsill, you can cultivate the fragrant herbs of Mexico right at home. With each leaf you pick, you’ll be honoring time-honored traditions and infusing your meals with the authentic flavors of a true Mexican cocina. ¡Feliz jardinería!