Thursday, May 31, 2012

Create a Salsa Garden!

Who doesn't like Salsa?  There are so many variations of Salsa, mild to hot, mango to jalapeno and even green tomato salsa.  Creating a Salsa Garden is easy!

My first suggestion, Peat Pellets!  I don't care where you get them from but they make seed-starting "oh so easy."  Before you just go crazy and start planting all of the seeds it's important to decide which varieties you would like to include and how long each will take to mature.
Onions:
Not everyone likes onions in their salsa.  I do!  I prefer a red onion.  The Red Burgundy onion matures in approximately 100 days.  If you decide to grow this onion it should be planted first.  If you choose a bunching onion or a "green onion" you can wait on planting.  Bunching onion varieties take about 40 days to mature.

Tomatoes:
I prefer to use a smaller tomato for salsa like the Ace 55 or Roma.  A larger option is a Beefsteak.  Both varieties take approx 75-80 days to mature so they should be started one month after the onion (if you chose the red).  For fancy salsa, try Emerald Green or Amana's Orange tomatoes

Peppers:
For a mild salsa you can use Anaheim instead.  For a hot (or hotter) salsa I use Jalapenos.  For the crazy, burn you mouth for a week salsa, use Serrano Peppers!  These pepper varieties also take 70-80 days to mature and should be planted at the same time as the tomatoes.

Cilantro planting should be staggered throughout the year.  By planting multiple cilantro plants it will allow you to harvest as you need it instead of all at once.  Plant Cilantro at least 30 days before the rest of the Salsa Garden plants mature.  I recommend planting another crop the following week.

Recap-
Onions: 100 or 40 days
Tomatoes: 75-80 days
Peppers: 70-80 days
Cilantro: 30 days

Fresh Salsa

Ingredients
5 large tomatoes, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tomatillo, diced (optional)
salt to taste
1 jalapeno pepper, minced

Directions
In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, tomatillo, and salt to taste. Mix well. Add 1/2 of the jalapeno pepper, and taste. If you desire your salsa with more of a kick, add the remaining 1/2 jalapeno. If you are satisfied with the salsa's heat, do not add the remaining jalapeno pepper. Cover the salsa, and chill until ready to serve.

12 comments:

Unknown said...

My husband is going to love this. We have an area in the backyard we want to use as a veggie garden. This is a perfect idea for our Salsa loving family. Thank you for linking to "Our Favorite Things" Link party.
Karri
www.mylifesatreasure.blogspot.com

Mary Smith said...

I'm glad you like the post. I'd love to join your link parties!

Lisa Sall - Sall's Country Life said...

Ahhh, all such good advice here!! We love salsa and can't wait for the tomatoes to start ripening (it'll be awhile) Just planted our cilantro! I'll be brewing up our "Sallsa" around the end of July and into August. Happy to have found your blog. We are avid gardeners, picklers, and canners...I'll be back to visit! Would love for you to give our blog a peek and feel free to join in for Farm Fresh Friday!! Have a great evening!!

Mary Smith said...

Thank you Sall. I'm really enjoying all of these link-ups. I'll definitely stop by Farm Fresh Friday!

Sarah @ Natures Nurture said...

Awesome post! And a surprise salsa recipe, too! :) Thanks so much for linking up at Tiny Tip Tuesday! I'm sharing this on my FB page :)

Elisa said...

Thanks for the tip to plant cilantro throughout the year. We often make salsa from our garden, but can't seem to get cilantro to grow in the summer. I'll be trying it again!

Mary Smith said...

In florida I have to grow them inside during the summer but it can be done.
Happy Planting!!

Jonell w Harrison said...

Great information you have passed along to us..I will be using and sharing it with our Gardner lol [my hubby ] a big THANK YOU
~Jonell
South Alabama

Mary Smith said...

Thank you Jonell! I just left you a reply. I highly recommend the DIY Tomato Cages. They are so easy to make.

http://back2basichealth.blogspot.com/2011/08/on-sunday-i-made-tomato-cages.html

Unknown said...

This is a great post. I don't always do a great job of timing the planting of my veggies so this is helpful. Thanks so much for sharing on Tout It Tuesday! Hope to see you next week.

HappyMrsBass@LAMS said...

How fun is this! I will be doing something like this next year! I love your planting/harvesting chart. Thanks so much for linking up at my Living Green link-up party! :)

fromcalculustocupcakes said...

Great post! I always include salsa ingredients in my garden because I love salsa. Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday!