by Peg Ronnoco

Created on: April 05, 2008   Last Updated: April 22, 2008

Although salsa is typically associated with Mexican and Spanish food, the ingredients are all things that can be easily grown almost anywhere in the world. What a wonderful thing to be able to grow your own salsa ingredients!

THE GARDEN

A raised bed is an ideal grow area for your salsa garden. Not only is it easier on your back (for picking and weeding) but it also allows you to control the type of soil that you are growing in. A raised bed can be built with stacked flat flagstones or untreated lumber or logs. Treated lumber will release chemicals into your soil soil so never use treated lumber for a garden area.

Add a layer of small rocks or crushed stone to the base before adding the soil for drainage.

Nutrient rich soil like black earth, sheep or bovine manure, and compost added to a loamy soil like peat moss will make for ideal growing conditions. Spread a sheet of plastic or a tarp on the ground and mix your soil before adding to the raised bed. The soil should be at least 16"-18" deep when you are ready to plant. The more root room your plants have, the bigger they will grow.

SALSA INGREDIENTS

Tomatoes
Our favorites are Roma tomatoes. Plants should be set into the ground so the soil covers the root ball approximately 16"-18" apart. Add a layer of mulch or compost around each plant.

Onion Sets
Plant each bulb 1" deep approximately 4"-6" apart.

Garlic
Should be planted very early in spring or ideally in the fall. Plant each bulb 1" deep, approximately 4"-6" apart.

Cilantro
Plant seeds 1/4" deep and 8" apart. When plants are approx 8" tall add a layer of mulch or compost around each plant.

Peppers
The type of peppers you buy depends on your personal taste. We buy green and red and jalapeno plants for our garden, and plant them 12"-14" apart. Add a layer of mulch or compost around each plant.

MAINTENANCE

Your salsa garden should be watered regularly in the early morning or evening.

Tomato plants should be staked or caged before they get too large so they don't get so heavy they topple over.

When the onion bulbs appear on top of the soil, carefully brush the soil away from the onion so that is is sitting on top of the soil while it matures.

Keep your garden weed and bug free by checking daily for pests.

FRESH GARDEN SALSA

1 Large green pepper
1 Large red pepper
1 Jalapeno pepper (according to taste)
6 Large Roma tomatoes
2 Medium onions
5 Cloves garlic
2 Tbsp Cilantro
2 Tsp sugar
1 Tbsp vinegar

Chop peppers, cilantro, onions and garlic in processor, and chop tomatoes by hand. Stir all together and add sugar and vinegar. Set in the refrigerator overnight to allow flavors to mingle.

Enjoy!

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