Best Companion Plants for Cabbage

May 29, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing beginner gardening tips on companion plants for cabbage.  Are you wondering what companion planting is?  When I first started gardening, I was unknowledgeable about companion plants and their benefits too.  However, I soon learned that plants need help just like humans.  

 

What Is Companion Planting:

 

Companion planting is when you grow different plants close to each  other.  The two plants help repel harmful bugs/pests, they can also attract beneficial insects, and help provide shade, support or even improve soil. 

Native Americans mastered companion planting with The Three Sisters.  The Three Sisters are corn, pole beans, and squash.  The corn provided a support for the beans to climb and the squash leaves provided shade to help retain moisture for the plants.  Companion plants for cabbage will work in a similar way.  

So, I plant sunflowers and cucumbers together.  The sunflower stalks are perfect for the cucumbers to wrap themselves around and the leaves of the cucumbers help shade the ground.  This helps the soil retain water.  And, makes these two plants great companions.  

 

 

companion plants for cabbage

 

 

 

 Using Flowers as Companion Plants 

 

Tomatoes and marigolds are good companion plants as well as tomatoes and basil. Lots of marigolds in your garden will bring insects that will eat pests in your garden.  Furthermore, those insects will enjoy the nectar or pollen of the flowers that you plant. 

So, petunias, zinnia, cosmos, and sweet peas are great flowers to plant in or around your vegetable garden too.  Get creative.  Plant them in circles around the base of your vegetable plants, make borders, use containers that sit close to the companion plants or intersperse flowers in your garden rows.  Those that produce clusters or trumpets are excellent choices to attract pollinators.  

 

 

companion planting for cabbage

 

 

Companion Plants for Cabbage

 

  • Dill
  • Chives
  • Beets
  • Yarrow
  • Mint
  • Geraniums
  • Sage
  • Oregano
  • Thyme
  • Onions
  • Marigolds
  • Mint
  • Celery
  • Basil
  • Calendula
  • Peas
  • Nasturtium
  • Bush or Pole Beans

 

 

 

companion plants for cabbage

 

Avoid Using These Plants with Cabbage:  

 

  • Tomatoes
  • Grapes
  • Strawberries
  • Garlic

 

I hope that my list of companion plants for cabbage will help you make a decision on what additional vegetables you want to add to your garden.  Also, adding companion flowers will make a lovely and colorful addition to your garden and backyard.  Last, the companion plants will help increase your yield and keep your produce disease free.  You may also like Understanding Companion Planting.  

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Growing Pepper Plants From Seed for Beginners

March 4, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on growing pepper plants from seed in your backyard garden.  Peppers find a spot in my garden every season.  I grow them from seed.  So, my harvest includes lots of Jalepeno, Belle peppers of every color, chili peppers and sweet banana peppers.   

 

Growing Pepper Plants From Seed

 

I start my seeds using the winter sowing method about 8 – 10 weeks before I plant them in my garden. You can also grow pepper plants from seed under grow lights.  Actually, peppers have a lot of requirements that the tomato has.  So, I actually start my tomato seeds the same time I start my peppers.  Furthermore, I plant my tomatoes and peppers at the same time in the garden and in the same vicinity.  Since they have the same needs, I can water and fertilizer them at the same time.  

 

Correct Spacing for Pepper Plants 

If you decide to grow both, make sure you give your tomato plants more space to grow.  They will be taller and grow wider than pepper plants.  Both need full sun, at least 6 – 8 hours of sunlight per day is good. As a result, I plant my tomatoes in one or two rolls and my peppers in another roll with 3 feet of space between them. You want to make sure your plants have good air circulation. 

Also, plant your tomato at least 24 inches apart.  You will need to get between them harvest your delicious treats and maintain them.  I plant my peppers about 20 inches apart.  So, lets focus on peppers.  

 

 

growing pepper plants from seed

 

 

Decide the type of peppers that you want to grow.  If you don’t want to grow them from seed, or you’re simply not ready to take that step, it’s all good.  You can purchase plants from the local nursery.  Better yet, you may find a local gardener who has too many plants and would love for you to take them off their hands.

My family eats a lot of hot spicy foods, so jalapenos are a must.  I also plant a variety of belle peppers.  I freeze them to add to chili, salsa or other foods during the winter.  They’re also great fresh on a vegetable tray for a BBQ, girls night or baby shower.  Chili peppers are great in salsa or chili too.  My point, grow what you and your family will eat.  

 

 

how to grow peppers

 

 

 

Planting Pepper Plants in Your Garden: 

 

  • Once the ground has thawed and is workable, transplant your seedlings to a container or plant in your garden. If you’re using a container make sure it is large enough for the plant to grow in and you can fit a stake or trellis in.  They have small stakes and trellis for containers. You can make one out of a small branch or find one at your local garden center. 
  • Add lots of compost or organic matter to your soil while preparing your soil.  I use composted leaves; however, I use Black Cow compost too.  
  • Plant your peppers so they are sitting at ground level in the pot.  Remove the plant and backfill your hole.
  • Water thoroughly and regularly until the plants are established.  I’m in Zone 6B.  In July and August, I still have to water my garden regularly.

 

how to grow peppers

 

 

  • Stake your pepper plants.  I use untreated garden stakes from Home Depot.  
  • Mulch your plants with chopped leaves or straw.  
  • You will need to tie your pepper plants to the stakes so they don’t touch the ground when fruit develops.  So, it’s important that you put your stake in place when you plant your seedings or plants.  You can cut an old tee-shirt into strips, panty hose, use yard or whatever soft material you have on hand.  Don’t have time to cut up tees or hose, purchase twist ties from your local Dollar Store.  You can save them from year to year, I do. 

 

I love being able to walk down to my garden and pick a few peppers off the vine for whatever dish I’m making.  Home grown peppers have a different flavor from the store brought variety.  As a result, I grow enough to preserve during the winter months.  There’s nothing like locking in freshness and saving it for another day.  

Start growing pepper plants from seed with a goal of germinating one or two plants.  If you enjoy nurturing and enjoying fresh peppers start planning to grow more for next year. It’s always best to start small and increase your plants.  
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Budget Makeover Garden Tips

January 10, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening advice on budget makeover garden tips. How much time do you spend in your garden? I ask the question, but I know that answer will differ depending on the individual. Some people love spending time in their garden and other people avoid it like the plague. In this post, we’re going to explore some of the reasons why you might fall into the latter group and what you can do about it. 

 

 

garden makeover tips

 

 

Garden Makeover Tips:

 

You Hate The Aesthetic

Perhaps your main reason for avoiding the garden is that you simply don’t like the way it looks. If so, then there are numerous ways that you can tackle this issue. For instance, you might want to think about hiring a landscaper. A landscaper will be able to make sure that you are able to get the perfect look for your garden. This can even help you enhance your curb appeal.

Furthermore, it could just be a matter of adding some color to your garden. If so, then consider getting a variety of different seeds and spreading them around your garden. Do this and you’re sure to be thrilled with the impact they have.

 

 The Garden Lacks Sitting 

Perhaps the main problem is that there’s nowhere in your garden where you can sit, relax and enjoy the scenery.  If you lack sitting, perhaps a new deck would remedy the problem.  Companies like Austex Fence and Deck will be able to help you and ensure that you have the perfect seating area.  Remember, if you are installing a deck, then you need to weatherproof it. You will be able to make sure that it’s beautiful throughout all the different seasons without it deteriorating over time. 

 

It’s Not Set Up For Your Needs

Is your outdoor space setup for your interest and needs?  If not, make a few changes. For example, install an organic vegetable gardening if that is your interest. Your garden presents a wonderful opportunity for you to grow your own vegetables and use them in your cooking. You’ll be amazed how delicious food tastes when you grow it yourself. 

 

 

garden makeover tips

 

 

The Wrong Furniture

Next, think about investing in new furniture for your home garden. This is a great way to ensure that you  head out and enjoy your garden more. You might think that there’s not a lot of choices when it comes to garden furniture.  Some of the latest garden furniture  looks incredible and will rival furniture for the interior of your home in terms of comfort and design. 

 

I hope that you will find my garden makeover tips helpful, and you will implement a few so you can spend more time in your garden. 

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How to Start a Home Garden

January 5, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Are you dreaming of starting a home garden? Check out my tips on how to start a home garden.  I started home gardening about 10 years ago.  Since that time, I have obtained my Master Gardeners certification and reached out to beginner gardeners.  We all have to start somewhere in our gardening journey, and learning how to start a home garden is step 1.

Gardening can be therapeutic, and the benefits of growing fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers rewarding.  Unfortunately, many gardeners don’t know where to start.  I’m going to take the guess work out of that problem for you today.

 

how to start a home garden

 

How to Start a Home Garden:

Location, Location, Location – Deciding on a location is your most important decision.  Many issues that you encounter as a gardener can be rectified.  However, if you put your garden in the wrong location it will take work to relocate it.  So, think twice about where you want to put it before you begin.  I love looking out my window and seeing my garden.  Being able to watch it grow and become filled with fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers is so rewarding.  My grandchildren love looking out the window and looking at the sunflowers when they visit.  They love being greeted with a big smile each morning.

Sunshine  – The location you choose should receive at least 6 hours of sunshine.  More is even better.

Water – When you choose a spot for your garden, make sure you are able to water it from a rain barrel or water faucet.

Good Soil – If possible choose a location with good soil.  If the 3 elements above are met, you can amend the soil so your garden will be productive.  Do a soil test once you choose your site and send it to your local Extension , so you will know what your soil needs.

 

 

how to start a home garden

 

Know your Growing Zone – It’s imperative that you know your growing zone.  It will determine how long your growing season will be.  For example, I garden in Zone 6b.  As a result, I have approximately 6 months of spring and summer gardening.

Garden Method –  Decide how you want to garden. Will you be row gardening, using raised bed, containers or vertical gardening?

Frost Dates – Knowing your frost dates is important.  Frost dates determine when you can garden without fear of your plants being killed, and they let you know when you should prepare to close your garden before the first fall frost hits.

Mulch – Use straw and/or leaves around your vegetable plants.  I’ve used both on my garden paths as well as newspaper too.

 

Finally, I hope you found my how to start a home garden tips beneficial, and you will be enjoying your new garden this summer.  Gardening will give you an exhilaration rush.  You will proudly dig in dirt to produce tasty vegetables for your family and produce beautiful flowers.

 

 

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Fast Growing Vegetables for Beginner Gardeners

May 7, 2020 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on fast growing vegetables to plant in your backyard garden or containers.  These are easy to grow vegetables, and I highly recommend them for beginner gardeners as well as experienced gardeners.

Several of these delicious and nutritious veggies find a place in my garden every year.  I hope you will find a few that you want to plant, and they become favorites in your summer garden.

 

fast growing vegetables

 

 

 

Fast growing vegetables for your garden:

 

Radishes – I love radishes sliced or diced in a salad or on a vegetable tray.  You can also roast or sautéed radishes with chives or garlic in olive oil, and be sure to add lots of your favorite seasoning.

Lettuce – If you love a fresh salad and BLTs in the summer like I do, you will be planting lots of lettuce.  You can grow lettuce in your row garden, raised beds, pots, containers, lined baskets, colanders and any other container that will drain.  There’s Black Seeded Simpson, Leaf Bowl, Romaine, Butter Crunch (one of my favorites),

Spinach – I love fresh spinach in a salad or in my smoothies.  I add a banana, a handful of spinach and frozen berries with almond milk for a refreshing smoothie.

Squash – I love squash fried, in casseroles, sliced and baked in the oven with a parmesan cheese topping.  Yummy!  And, you don’t more than a plant or two.  They are heavy producers.

Cucumbers –  I love fresh cucumbers.  I use them in salads, vegetable trays and infused in water with fresh basil.  Cucumber water is so refreshing on a hot summer day.

 

 

fast growing vegetables

 

 

Swiss Chard –  Personally, I’m not a fan of swiss chard unless it’s in a smoothie.  I basically use it in the same manner that I use spinach, with a banana, handful of frozen berries and almond milk.  It makes a very healthy breakfast drink.  And, I love the colorful stems on this veggie.  So pretty.

Green Beans – My family loves green beans at family dinners.  Also, I love using them in my vegetable soup in the winter.

Scallions –  Great in stir fry, potato soup, chopped on a baked potato or in salads.

 

 

fast growing vegetables

 

 

 

Beets – My mother, may she rest in peace, loved beets in vinegar.  My sister and a cousin love them as well.  Me, not so much.  But, I will plant a few for family.

Broccoli – Another delicious vegetable that can be used on vegetable trays, fried or in a stir fry.  It finds a place in my beef and broccoli stir fry often.

Zucchini –  Zucchini is very similar to squash.  I use zucchini in casseroles, and it make a delicious zucchini bread.

Finally, I hope that you will plant a few of these fast growing vegetables in your garden this year.  You will be harvesting fresh and delicious vegetables in no time.

 

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4 Delicious Fruits To Grow In Your Garden

April 27, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on fruits to grow in your garden. Isn’t it every gardener’s dream to have a  garden that’s full of delicious fruits? Some fruits are high-maintenance and challenging to grow, which isn’t exactly ideal for a beginner. Thankfully, there are plenty of yummy fruits that beginners can grow. 

 

growing fruit

Here’s a few fruits to grow in your garden:

 

Apples

There are many types of apples. First, choose what type you want to grow. If you’re an apple lover, you know that not all apples have the same taste. You’ll want to grow an apple that you like.  So, sample a few before you start planting! Once you’ve decided, you need to buy these seeds and another type. Apples need pollination from a different variety to grow. Next, you need to choose a rootstock.  The rootstock will determine how big the tree gets. You should plant your apple tree in a sunny spot, using well-prepared soil. Remember, your trees will be need to be pruned regularly to keep their shape. 

 

growing fruit in your garden

 

 

Blueberries

Blueberries are an easy to grow fruit. Furthermore, they work well in containers. It’s best to choose a self-pollinating type of blueberry, you’ll only need one plant to yield fruit. Blueberries love acidic and moist soil. However, the soil will require a PH level of around 4.5-5.5. Blueberries can tolerate the shade well; however you’ll produce much better plants when growing them in the sun. Blueberries grow very well in aged compost.

 

Figs

You can plant figs in warm conditions, such as Zone 8 or above. When winter temperatures drop below -12°C you’ll need to bring your figs inside.  So, growing them in a container is recommended. If you plant your fig tree in a container, add bark chips to improve the drainage. It’s best to add a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content each month too. You can grow figs in many types of soil; just ensure that there’s plenty of organic matter and it’s well-drained. Remember, fig trees need to be at least 20 feet away from other trees. 

 

 

growing fruit in your garden

 

 

Strawberries

You can grow strawberries in a container, strawberry planter, or a well prepped strawberry bed. To grow strawberries, you’ll need lots of rich garden compost or horse manure (well rotted). It’s a good idea to choose ‘ever-bearing’ strawberries as these will continue to produce fruit for the whole summer. So, plant your strawberry runners or bare-rooted strawberries in the springtime. It’s also fine to plant in the late summer or even in the fall. You can prep the soil with a dressing of potash fertilizer. When you plant the strawberries, the roots should be buried, and you should space them about 12 inches apart. Strawberries will be a delicious addition to the fruits to grow in your garden.  

When you are growing your fruits ang vegetables, consider pest control. For a great pest control service take a look at animalcontrolspecialists.com.

Last, before you start growing fruits in your garden, it’s important to perfect your compost. Remember, you need an equal measure of green and brown materials. It’s helpful to buy a compost bin so that you can easily turn your compost, generating the air it needs to thrive.

 

 

 

 

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How to Plan a Kitchen Garden

January 10, 2015 by

Today, I’m sharing gardening advice on how to plan a kitchen garden. Fall and winter is the perfect time to start planing and sowing seeds indoors or outdoors.  As a matter of fact, the best time to start planning is when there’s snow on the ground and it’s cold outside.  A well planned garden will lead to a successful garden.

If you’re striving to get healthier, there’s nothing better than fresh vegetables. I have been gardening for years and now considered a master gardener.  My focus has been on tomatoes, peppers, garlic, green beans, watermelons, and herbs.  However, I do add in sunflowers and marigolds.  Planting a kitchen garden helps save on the grocery bill, and you will be able to to freeze and preserve your harvest.

planning a kitchen garden

 

Here’s a few steps on how to plan a kitchen garden:

 

  • Plan your garden layout – Will you be using raised beds, row gardening, or containers? Will you plant a small, medium or large garden? The size of your garden will determine how many plants you will need to purchase or need to start from seed.  You also need to start thinking about the containers you will be using or pricing material for your raised beds if this is the route you will be taking.   How many bags of gardening soil will you need for your pots and raised beds.
  • Decide what you want to plant – Do you want to do herbs only or a variety of vegetables? Will you be planting Hybrid or Heirloom seeds/vegetables?  How many will you plant.  My suggestion is that you plant what you like and will use during the summer and winter months.  Will you be canning your harvest or sharing it with food banks or neighbors and friends.
  • Order seeds – Browse catalogs and on-line websites to determine what you need to purchase or join seed swaps. You can order seed catalogues and browse them on the cold, snowy days.  You will be able to purchase seeds that you won’t find locally.  Also, the Dollar Store and Dollar Tree both have a selection of seeds for bargain prices. I’ve purchased from both, and had success with them germinating.  I also purchase from Gurney, Johnny’s, Parks Seed, Territorial and Baker Creek seed companies.
  • Prepare for indoor sowing – If you indoor sow, set up a schedule for sowing your seeds.  Make sure your lights are working properly, you have sufficient containers, potting mix etc.
  • Start winter sowing  – You can start summer flowers and vegetables in containers and place them outdoors to get a head start on the growing season. I start my sunflowers using the winter sowing method. I have also been successful winter sowing vegetables.  I’ve been so successful, that I no longer use the indoor sowing method.  But, you decide what works with you.   If you decide to winter sow, check your plastic containers supply.  Make sure you a variety of sizes and shapes.  I love using Gatorade bottles, 2 liter soda bottles, quart or gallon milk jugs work great too.
  • Check your inventory – make sure you have everything in working order and you have sufficient supplies for your garden.

 

 

planning a vegetable garden

Think ahead.  For example, I’ve decided to increase my basil plants from 2 to 6.  I love using fresh basil in my tomato sauce.  But, I also like to share it with my sister and daugher.  I also freeze fresh basil for use in dishes throughout the winter.  Placing dried herbs in my Christmas gift baskets was a big hit.  People love homemade gifts.  Especially, if they’re yummy.

I normally put in 10 -15 tomato plants, 3 – 4 belle and hot peppers, 2 squash, 2 zucchini,  6 cucumbers, 24-30 cloves of garlic and a few rows of green beans.  Other years, I may take out or put in something different.  I will be cutting back on the vegetables that I have an adequate supply stored.  I will be replacing some of the plants with cauliflower, cantaloupe, water melons, leaf lettuce, collard greens, and a variety of herbs.

So, I use the direct sowing method for my green beans, cucumbers and lettuce.  However, I use the winter sowing for my sunflowers tomatoes, herbs, squash, zucchini, peppers, cauliflower, fruits and flowers.

I will be doing a series of posts on sowing seeds, gardening in containers, row garden preparation, preserving the harvest and everything in between on the blog.  Stay tuned.

I hope that you found my steps on how to plan a kitchen garden helpful.  If you have a question while planning, starting your seed, implementing your garden or just feel overwhelmed, send an email to The Mail Box using rhonda@mother2motherblog.com, and I will respond to your questions.  Lets get healthy together!

 If you like this post you may also like:How To Dry Kitchen Garden Herbs;                                                                   How to Harden Off Garden Seedlings;  Planting and Harvesting Garlic
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10 Reasons I Preserve My Garden Vegetables

September 3, 2014 by
Backyard vegetable gardening is hard work, but oh so worth it.  Today, I’m going to talk about preserving garden vegetables.  There’s nothing like fresh fruits and vegetables  that have been preserved for winter use. There’s nothing better than pulling out fresh tomatoes in the winter to make sauce and salsa.  
I add preserved tomatoes to my homemade vegetable soup in the winter.  The taste is amazing.  There’s nothing better than a bowl of homemade soup during a blizzard.  Not only do I preserve tomatoes, I preserve belle peppers, chili peppers, green beans, corn, and herbs.  Did I mention that I also grow my own garlic for my tomato sauce.  I preserve anywhere from 20 – 25 quarts of sauce each season.  My homemade tomato sauce is kid approved.  My grandchildren love it, so I share with my daughter and siblings.  

preserving garden vegetables

 

I just chopped 2 quarts of belle peppers for my freezer.  If you’re wondering if you can freeze belle peppers without blanching, the answer is yes.    Here’s how:

  • Wash peppers thoroughly and dry.
  • Remove the core and seeds.
  • Place peppers in a quart freezer bag. Be sure to remove the air from the bag.  To keep the peppers from freezer burn, double bag the peppers.
  • Write the date on the bag with a permanent marker.

I love using fresh belle peppers in my dishes.  The best way to preserve vegetables and fruits is to freeze them. I just place the peppers on a cookie sheet.  Place the sheet in the freezer so the pieces can freeze before placing them in the freezer bag.  However, you can just place them in a freezer bag as shown.  Just give them a good whack with a kitchen mallet to break them apart when I needed.

 



 

Backyard Vegetable Gardening

 

 

To prevent freezer burn, put the peppers in a quart size bag.  Than place the quart size bag in a gallon size freezer bag.  Make sure you get all of the air out of the bags.  Most importantly, make sure your peppers are cool and dry before you freeze them.

Gardening gives me a sense of fulfillment and preserving garden vegetables puts the icing on the cake. Being able to serve organic, fresh veggies and fruits to my family is a blessing.  Here’s why preserving garden vegetables is at the top of my list:

 

  1. Fresh vegetables and fruits are more flavorful than grocery store purchases.
  2. I use fresh tomatoes in chili, pasta sauce and salsa during the winter.
  3. Fresh peppers are available for omelets, meatloaves, spaghetti sauces and casseroles etc.
  4. I have fresh garlic available for spaghetti sauce and other dishes.
  5. Fresh apples and peaches available for warm cobblers during the winter.
  6. I grow organic fruits and vegetables.  The less chemicals used the better.
  7. I save hundreds of dollars on my grocery bill.
  8. My family raves about my dishes. It’s the herbs and other fresh vegetables and fruits, but don’t tell them it’s a secret.
  9. Fresh vegetables and tomatoes make the best soups on those cold winter days.
  10. Nothing like fresh herbs to toss in dishes during the winter.

Finally, preserve garden vegetables and fruits too. Planting a tomato plant on your deck or patio, and you will be able to freeze them for winter use.  Not interested in vegetables, how fruits or sunflowers.  So, preserve garden vegetables and fruits for a welcome winter treat.

You may also like:  Johnny’s Seeds.

 

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Easy Recipe – Fresh Salsa Recipe

October 7, 2012 by

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on my fresh salsa recipe.  So, I’m sharing my fresh salsa recipe with you.  This recipe is great served fresh with chips. Be warned, you’ll have a hard time stopping once you start.  It’s a great summer dish.  Just chill it for several hours before serving it.  This fresh salsa recipe is one of my favorite backyard vegetable gardening dishes.  

 

 

recipes, party recipes, salsa recipe

 

Next, if you have fresh tomatoes, peppers and onions that you want to use, I urge you to try this recipe.  This recipe is addictive. If you don’t have a backyard garden, this recipe is a good reason to start one.  Until than, head to your local farmer’s market for the ingredients.  I make this recipe for parties or if I have company and want to serve light snacks.

I’ll let you in on a secret.  Ask for seconds at your local farmer’s market when purchasing tomatoes.  They sell them at discounts because of a blemish, discoloration,  or deformity.  Your recipe won’t know the difference, trust me.

Fresh Salsa Recipe Ingredients:

  • 15 – 20 tomatoes, skin removed and chopped (I used a mix of yellow, purple and red tomatoes)
  • 2 large red onions finely diced
  • 5 jalapenos with the seeds if you like spicy.  (If not remove them).
  • 2 green belle peppers
  • 2 cups chopped fresh cilantro
  • 6 – 8 cloves of garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons lime juice

 

 *NOTE:  Also, see my tips on how to remove the skins from fresh tomatoes.

salsa recipes, fresh salsa

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, stir together tomatoes, onion, chili peppers, cilantro, salt, and lime juice. Chill for one  – two hours in the refrigerator before serving.

 

If you want a smaller batch, cut the recipe in half.  I recommend Roma, San Marzano or Amish Paste tomatoes for salsa and sauces.  However, whatever is available will work for this recipe.  I used a mixture of San Marzano and slicers this time.  As a result, the salsa was quite watery.

Fortunately, the problem can be solved by placing the salsa in a colander and allowing it to drain for about 30 minutes. You can gradually add the liquid back in until you reach the desire consistency if you would like.  I don’t add any liquid back into mine.  When I’m serving salsa for a party, I like for it to be chunky and to have very little water.  I don’t want my guest having salsa dripping down their clothes.

 

 

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