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.

Holy Tulsi Basil: Nature’s Stress Reliever and Heart Healer

If one herb could wear a superhero cape, it would be Tulsi. Known as Holy Basil and revered across cultures, Tulsi is your herbal ally for emotional resilience, immune support, and spiritual clarity.

At Dancing Gardens, Tulsi holds a special place in our hearts—and in our soil. Even Hoosier Herb lights up when Tulsi season rolls around!

Benefits of Tulsi:

• Lowers stress and cortisol levels

• Strengthens immunity and respiratory health

• Supports heart wellness and emotional balance

• Acts as an adaptogen—helping your body handle whatever life throws at you

How to Use Tulsi:

• Tea: Steep fresh or dried leaves with honey and lemon.

• Tincture: A few drops a day to ease anxiety or tension.

• Fresh: Add to salads, smoothies, or even bathwater for spiritual cleansing.

Whether you grow it in a pot or a garden bed, Tulsi brings peace, purpose, and plant-powered joy.