Growing Tomatoes, Chilies, and Herbs: Fresh Salsa Ingredients

Plum Tomatoes and Chilies
Sow seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Use small seed trays or pots with drainage holes. Fill with a good-quality seed compt, which is light and well-draining. Sow seeds about 6mm (1/4″) deep in the compost. Keep the seeds in a warm location, around 21°C (70°F). Using a electric propagator can help with germination. Water gently to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Once the seeds germinate, ensure they get plenty of light, ideally 12-16 hours a day on a sunny windowsill. Harden off the plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.

Sow February – May
Harvest July – October

Basil
Start basil seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. You can also directly sow basil outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, typically when the soil temperature is around 21°C (70°F). Use small pots or seed trays with good drainage. Fill them with a well-draining potting mix. Basil prefers rich, fertile soil that is not too heavy. Sow basil seeds very shallow—just lightly cover them with a thin layer of compost. Basil seeds need light to germinate, so avoid burying them too deeply.

Basil thrives in warm temperatures. If sowing indoors, keep the seeds in a warm location, ideally between 21-27°C (70-80°F). A windowsill with plenty of sunlight works well, or use grow lights if necessary. Water gently to prevent disturbing the seeds. Once seedlings emerge, ensure they receive regular watering, but allow the soil to dry slightly between watering. Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week before planting them in the garden. Basil grows best in full sun.

Sow Indoors all year around
Harvest July – October

Coriander
Start seeds 3-4 weeks before the last frost date. Directly sow seeds outdoors after the last frost, when soil temperatures are around 15-21°C (60-70°F).
Use well-draining soil or a good-quality potting mix. Coriander prefers slightly sandy, fertile soil. Sow seeds about 6mm (1/4″) deep and space them 50mm (2″) apart.
Keep seeds in a warm spot (21°C / 70°F) if starting indoors. Outdoors, plant when the weather is warm but not too hot, as coriander bolts (goes to seed) in high heat. Coriander grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Regular watering will keep it healthy, but avoid overwatering.

Sow March to June
Harvest August – November

Onion – Rijinsburger
Start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost or direct sow when the soil is warm 13–24°C / 55–75°F. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil. Start seeds indoors in trays with seed-starting mix or plant sets directly outdoors. Space seeds or sets 25-50mm (1-2″) apart for green onions or 100mm (4″) apart for larger bulbs. Harvest when the tops fall over and begin to yellow for bulb onions; green onions can be harvested earlier.

Sow January – April
Harvest July to October