Take Your Thyme...

The summer months are for enjoying the little things in life. The beauty of the dust dancing in the sunlight in the morning, the joy that comes with that first sip of one’s morning brew, the nostalgia that the twinkle of fireflies brings back… all the little things seem to shine a little brighter during this time. The key is to slow down a bit to notice these things and properly enjoy them while they are here.

With that said, an easy and practical way to slow down that will give back is starting an herb garden. It is simple to start, pretty easy to maintain, and provides fresh herbs for fresher flavors in all meals. It’s a win-win situation.

First things first, find a spot in the home that gets 6-8 hours of sunlight a day: a windowsill, on top of the fridge, on a shelf, whatever space works best. Once the location is determined, it’s time to search for soil.

Well-draining soil is going to be the go-to option for avoiding root rot and keeping plants happy and healthy. The wrong soil will cause more issues than forgetting to water or not enough sunlight, so this step is very important for the longevity of one’s herb garden.

Next up is to choose the herbs that will grow. Beginner-friendly herbs include basil, mint, parsley, chives, thyme, oregano, and rosemary. Look for fast-growing seeds, or opt for young transplants from a local nursery to speed up the process a little bit. Carefully insert seeds or transplants into the soil, water them, and set them in sunlight.

Water as needed, and enjoy the simple moments this summer season, cultivating a better life.