Since we have been sheltering, we’ve had time to look around our urban yard and would like to plant a few veggies. I’m looking for some suggestions. We live in Santa Maria and our little plot is about 10’x4’. I’d like to start with a salsa garden. Is this right time for that?
Hey Rebecca! Great idea! Just after the last frost is the best time to plant a salsa garden and that should be anytime now. Pick a sunny spot in the garden and install a trellis. Fertilize the soil with compost, or other natural fertilizers such as fish. Then plant tomatoes along the trellis. Our favorite tomatoes are San Marzano, but Roma tomatoes or beefsteaks will also do well. Plan for about 3 to 4 plants, and you’ll have tomatoes not just for salsa but also for use in other recipes in the kitchen. Next add about 4-5 pepper plants: jalapeños are most popular. The more heat and full sun the pepper plants receive, the hotter the peppers will be. Try to plant the cilantro in the shade of the tomato plants, as the hotter they get, the faster they will go to seed. You’ll need quite a few onions, about 20-30, but luckily they last a long time in the soil and in storage. Garlic is the tricky one, as it should be planted in October so that it overwinters. It usually takes 10 months before harvest time, but if you plant it now you can still use green garlic in your recipes! 🍅 🌶 🧄 🧅 🌱
Can I love this post a million times?? Thank you Megan. Now next question is where can I get organic seedlings! Yesyes?
So happy it’s helpful! Search your local nurseries for starts. Our go-to is Windmill Nursery in Buellton. But there are quite a few in this area. Call ahead and make sure they have what you’re looking for: seeds and seedlings are among the panic buys like TP and baby chickens 🐣😜
So happy it’s helpful! Search your local nurseries for starts. Our go-to is Windmill Nursery in Buellton. But there are quite a few in this area. Call ahead and make sure they have what you’re looking for: seeds and seedlings are among the panic buys like TP and baby chickens 🐣😜