June 19th, 2015 – Williamson County Weekend Gardener
Williamson County gardeners are all starting to see tomatoes form on our garden plants, and a few of us who rushed the season may even be harvesting some early fruits. In a recent discussion with neighbors at a party, we got onto the topic of salsa — specifically, making your own salsa with the massive tomato harvest. We all know that once tomatoes start rolling in, the main challenge is figuring out what in the world to do with the robust volume of them. Salsa is a great way to preserve your harvest. Here’s what you need:
1. Tomatoes
Duh. But think about the varieties. Many people plant cherry tomatoes and then slicing tomatoes in combination. Consider adding a third option to your planting — paste tomatoes. Paste tomatoes can add a lot to salsa.
2. Onions
White onions tend to be the most popular for salsa, but you can also use sweet yellow, and even red. Again, this is a personal choice — and it’s fun to experiment with growing and using different varieties in your salsa.
3. Chili Peppers
Sweet bell peppers will make a more mild salsa, while hotter chile peppers will add the heat. Some people even prefer to use banana peppers in a Summer salsa, just for the variation. Bottom line, it’s fun to experiment and try different peppers.
4. Garlic
To have garlic this year, you have to have planted it last Fall. But this ingredient you can easily grab at the grocery if you don’t have it in the back yard.
5. Herbs
The most commonly-used herbs in salsa tend to be basil, oregano, parsley, and cilantro. These all thrive in our Williamson County climate with very little trouble; so much so that I only grow them in containers because they’ll end up everywhere, otherwise.
Once you’ve collected these ingredients, either from your home garden or one of our many area Farmer’s Markets, here’s a great article from Gardening Channel to take you through 10 Easy Steps to Making & Canning Fresh Garden Salsa.
Next week, more of your garden photos! Please send pictures of your favorite vegetables, containers, flower beds, and more and we’ll share them right here next Friday — just e-mail to [email protected] with your first name, last initial, and the city where you live!
Williamson County Gardening Resources:
Williamson County Master Gardeners Association
Williamson County Extension Office
Williamson County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a (0 – 5 degrees)
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
Previous Articles:
06/12/15 – More Photos & Tomatoes 101
06/04/15 – Your Garden Photos
05/29/15 – Drought Resistant Plants
05/08/15 – Master Gardeners Plant Sale
05/01/15 – Don’t Miss The Azaleas
04/24/15 – 10 Flowers To Grow With Vegetables
04/17/15 – Homemade Weed Killer Recipe
04/10/15 – 5 Ways to Get Soil Ready for Spring
04/03/15 – Stop Topping Crape Myrtles
03/27/15 – Free Wildflower Seeds
03/20/15 – 5 Plants Anyone Can Grow
03/13/15 – 5 Ways to Get Back Outside