Plant a Salsa Garden

Jody Barnes

Summer gardening evokes the taste of perfectly ripe tomatoes, fresh from the vine, and homemade salsas are a delicious way to enjoy summer's bounty. You don't even need a large space to have a salsa garden. Everything needed to make a simple, fresh salsa can be grown on your patio or balcony.

Getting Started
You will need to use large, deep pots with good drainage. Make sure you choose high quality potting soil, and as potting soils are typically mineral deficient, it is important to fertilize your container garden. You will want to pick a fertilizer that can be mixed with water and fed to the plants regularly, but double check to ensure that your choice is appropriate for vegetables.

Choosing Your Plants
Tomatoes - Cherry varieties grow well in small spaces. Sunsweets, Tiny Tims, and Yellow Pears are good bets. You could also try planting Tumblin' Toms in a hanging basket.

Scallions or Green Onions - These add all the flavor of onions, but are much easier to grow in a container. You might want to try Golden Gourmets or Tokyo Long Whites.

Peppers - Take advantage of the range of flavors and colors available. For the most diverse salsa garden, you will want to grow both "sweet" and "hot" varieties. Peppers thrive in containers, so almost any type will grow well!

Cilantro - This herb adds a sophisticated touch to your salsa. It can be grown outside or inside in a windowsill herb garden.

Planting Tips
You can start the garden indoors in a warm, sunny location, but once temperatures stay above 50 degrees, it is safe to move it outside. When planting, make sure that the potting soil is about 2 inches below the top of each pot, and level, before planting seeds. Plant only one tomato, or one to two pepper plants per pot. The onions and cilantro can be generously dispersed in each pot. Make sure to only use the fertilizer according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. After two months of sunshine, regular care, and patience, you will have a beautiful and delicious salsa garden. As long as you water, fertilize, and harvest regularly, your plants should continue to produce all summer long.

05/12/08  By Jody Barnes