A Thyme to Bloom: Planting in Spring

Thoughts and recipes

Springtime is an ideal season to plant herbs before the summer heat brings on higher temperatures. In deciding what to plant, I chose thyme for its beautiful sight and smell. Thyme delivers a pleasant aroma of herbaceous sweetness and delicate lilac-tinted flowers when in bloom.

Tips for planting herbs when you don't know how to garden

I'll admit, I do not consider myself to have a "green thumb". I was however highly motivated at the idea of nourishing my body with something homegrown. With a little pre-planning and forethought, I am really happy with how it turned out:

Tip #1: Consider space and sunlight: My balcony doesn't get much sun, so I decided to raise my planter to get the most possible light throughout the day.

Tip #2: Pick companion plants: I went for a trio of thyme, strawberries and lettuce. I suggest doing a bit of research about companion plants - it's like giving them their own little community to thrive in!

Tip #3: Go to a local garden center: I visited local community garden centers that have a reputation for taking extra good care of their plants with rich, quality soil.

Tip #4: Spend time with your herbs: Plants are meant to be life-giving. Simply being around them, studying the leaves and flowers, can uplift our mood.

Springtime Recipe: Strawberries & Thyme with Greek Yogurt & Honey

Gather your Ingredients:

• Handful of fresh strawberries, cut and stemmed

• Drizzle of honey

• Handful of slivered almonds

• 4 heaping spoonfuls of plain Greek Yogurt

• A few sprigs of fresh thyme, stemmed

  
  

Prepare your meal:

1. Scoop plain Greek yogurt onto a pretty plate.

2. Add the strawberries on top.

3. Sprinkle almonds and fresh thyme over the strawberries.

4. Drizzle with a bit of local honey to your liking.

5. Enjoy!

Springtime Recipe: Chicken, Avocado & Baby Arugula with Blackberries and Thyme

Gather your Ingredients:

• Handful of fresh blackberries

• Half of an avocado

• 1 Serving grilled chicken breast (I eat about 6 ounces)

• Small bunch of thyme sprigs, stemmed

• Dash of good quality olive oil

• Large bunch of baby arugula

• Optional: a few shavings of fresh parmesan cheese

• Optional: a few grindings of coarse ground pepper

  
  

Prepare your meal:

1. Cook the chicken breast to your liking (I use the stovetop).

2. Assemble your plate with the arugula.

3. Scoop out the avocado from its shell, cut roughly and add to the salad.

4. Spread the blackberries evenly over the top.

5. Optional: add the cheese shavings.

6. Place the chicken breast to the side of the salad on the same plate.

7. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and add the black pepper if desired.

8. Voila!

I hope you enjoyed this article and perhaps feel inspired to grow your own springtime herbs! Feel free to email me at floragraceliving@gmail.com and share your spring herb gardening tips!

With love and care,

~Larissa