Salsa Garden Guild

A compact guild designed to produce all the ingredients needed for making fresh salsa. Plants in this guild complement each other in growth habits and pest management.

Food Production Soil: Loam Light: Full Sun Water: Moderate
Guild Ratings
8/10
7/10
6/10
8/10

Vegetable

Cherokee Purple Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple'

Heirloom tomato with deep purple-pink fruit. Rich, sweet flavor with a hint of smokiness.

Native: No
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 11
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Water Requirement: Moderate
Soil pH Range: 6.0 - 6.8
Plant Size: 5.0' tall × 3.0' wide
Planting Season: May - June
Harvest Season: July - September
Garlic

Allium sativum

Bulbous herb with strong flavor and aroma. Repels many insect pests and has medicinal properties.

Native: No
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 8
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Water Requirement: Moderate
Soil pH Range: 6.0 - 7.5
Plant Size: 2.0' tall × 0.5' wide
Planting Season: October - November
Harvest Season: July - August

Pest Repellent

Garlic Chives

Allium tuberosum

Perennial herb with edible flowers, leaves, and bulbs. Repels many garden pests and attracts pollinators.

Native: No
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Requirement: Moderate
Soil pH Range: 6.0 - 7.5
Plant Size: 1.5' tall × 1.0' wide
Planting Season: April - May
Harvest Season: June - October
Marigold

Tagetes patula

Annual flower that repels nematodes and other pests. Adds color to the garden and attracts beneficial insects.

Native: No
Hardiness Zone: 2 - 11
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Water Requirement: Moderate
Soil pH Range: 5.8 - 7.0
Plant Size: 1.5' tall × 1.0' wide
Planting Season: May - June
Harvest Season: None - None

Recommended Planting Instructions

No detailed planting instructions are available for this guild yet.

Planting Calendar

Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Spring Planting (3 plants)
  • Cherokee Purple Tomato May - June
    Vegetable
  • Garlic Chives April - May
    Pest Repellent
  • Marigold May - June
    Pest Repellent
Summer Planting (2 plants)
  • Cherokee Purple Tomato May - June
    Vegetable
  • Marigold May - June
    Pest Repellent
Fall Planting (1 plants)
  • Garlic October - November
    Vegetable

Harvest Calendar

Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Summer Harvest (3 plants)
  • Cherokee Purple Tomato July - September
    Vegetable
  • Garlic July - August
    Vegetable
  • Garlic Chives June - October
    Pest Repellent
Fall Harvest (2 plants)
  • Cherokee Purple Tomato July - September
    Vegetable
  • Garlic Chives June - October
    Pest Repellent

Monthly Activity Calendar

Plant Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Cherokee Purple Tomato P P H H H
Garlic H H P P
Garlic Chives P P H H H H H
Marigold P P
P = Planting Time H = Harvest Time
Fresh Garden Salsa
Difficulty: Easy Serves: 4 Season: Summer

A vibrant, fresh salsa made with ingredients straight from the garden. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a topping for grilled meats and fish.

Ingredients from this Guild:
  • Cherokee Purple Tomato
  • Garlic
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Instructions:

1. Finely dice tomatoes, onion, and jalapeno peppers.
2. Chop cilantro leaves.
3. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
4. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Let sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
6. Serve with tortilla chips or as a condiment.

Rustic Potato and Herb Skillet
Difficulty: Easy Serves: 4 Season: Year-round

A simple and delicious potato dish with fresh herbs from the garden.

Ingredients from this Guild:
  • Garlic
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Instructions:

1. Wash and dice 2 pounds of Russet potatoes.
2. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet.
3. Add potatoes and cook until beginning to brown, about 10 minutes.
4. Add 1 diced onion and 3 cloves minced garlic, cook for 5 more minutes.
5. Add 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary and 2 tablespoons fresh thyme.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 10 more minutes.
8. Serve hot as a side dish.

Classic Marinara Sauce
Difficulty: Easy Serves: 6 Season: Summer

A versatile tomato sauce made with Roma tomatoes and herbs from the garden.

Ingredients from this Guild:
  • Garlic
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Instructions:

1. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot.
2. Add 1 diced onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add 3 pounds of Roma tomatoes, crushed.
5. Add 1/4 cup fresh basil, 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
6. Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove bay leaf before serving.
8. Use with pasta, pizza, or as a base for other sauces.