Seasonal Herbal Checklist: What to Grow, Harvest, and Sip This Spring

Spring is a sacred invitation—to awaken, renew, and grow. At Dancing Gardens, we take our cues from nature and plant accordingly.

Here’s our Spring Herbal Checklist to help you align your garden and your body with the season:

Top 5 Spring Herbs:

1. Cleavers – Lymphatic cleanser and gentle detoxifier

2. Dandelion – Liver support and digestive aid

3. Chickweed – Anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing

4. Lemon Balm – Calming and mood-boosting

5. Tulsi – Emotional resilience and nervous system balance

Seasonal DIY Recipes:

• Cleavers Cold Infusion

  Benefits: Lymphatic support, gentle detox, fluid balance

  Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh cleavers (Galium aparine)

  • 1 quart cold water

  • Optional: a splash of lemon or mint for flavor

  Instructions:

  1. Lightly rinse the fresh cleavers, keeping them whole and vibrant.

  2. Place the herbs in a clean glass jar.

  3. Fill with cold water and cover with a lid.

  4. Let steep in the refrigerator or cool, dark space for 8–12 hours (overnight).

  5. Strain and drink chilled throughout the day.

  Note: Best consumed within 24 hours.

• Chickweed Salve for Skin

  Benefits: Soothes itchy, irritated skin; supports wound healing; great for eczema and rashes

  Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh or dried chickweed (Stellaria media)

  • 1 cup olive oil or coconut oil

  • 1 tbsp beeswax pellets

  • Optional: a few drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil

  Instructions:

  1. Infuse the chickweed in the oil using a double boiler on low heat for 1–2 hours (or use a solar infusion over 2–4 weeks).

  2. Strain the herb from the oil using cheesecloth.

  3. In a clean saucepan, combine strained oil with beeswax and gently heat until wax melts.

  4. Remove from heat, stir in essential oils if using, and pour into clean tins or jars.

  5. Let cool completely before sealing. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.

• Lemon Balm & Dandelion Spring Tonic

  Benefits: Digestive aid, stress reducer, spring energy tonic

  Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp dried lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

  • 1 tbsp dried dandelion root or leaf (Taraxacum officinale)

  • 2 cups boiling water

  • Optional: honey, lemon, or a cinnamon stick for flavor

  Instructions:

  1. Place herbs in a heat-safe teapot or jar.

  2. Pour boiling water over the herbs and cover.

  3. Steep for 10–15 minutes.

  4. Strain and enjoy warm, or chill for a refreshing spring tea.

  5. Sweeten if desired with honey and lemon.

  Enjoy this tonic in the morning to jumpstart digestion and energy!

Garden To-Dos:

• Start seeds indoors or prep raised beds

• Compost and amend soil with natural fertilizers

• Map out your herb layout for maximum sunlight and harmony

Need help? Hoosier Herb says, “Don’t stress, just plant!” Our consulting services are here to guide you through every season.

Plant Therapy for Veterans: Reconnecting with Purpose Through the Garden

Life after service can feel disorienting. But nature doesn’t rush, judge, or forget how to heal—and neither do we.

Dancing Gardens was born from a veteran’s need to reconnect—to body, Earth, and purpose. That’s why we now offer specialized consulting and workshops for fellow veterans looking to reclaim their wellness.

Plant Therapy Includes:

• Starting a healing herb garden (even in small spaces)

• Learning about medicinal herbs and how to use them

• Workshops for hands-on learning and community building

Whether you’ve never grown a plant before or you're ready to turn a backyard into a sanctuary, we’re here to walk beside you.

With Hoosier Herb leading the way (often with a goofy dance), we aim to make learning feel accessible and joyful.