The North Carolina Cooperative Extension – Clay County Center recently partnered with the Clay County Senior Center to teach a hands-on class on planting a raised bed salsa garden. Agriculture Agent Tyler Osborn led the educational session, demonstrating how to prepare, plant, and care for a garden designed specifically for making fresh salsa. Participants learned about the key ingredients—tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and cilantro—as well as companion planting techniques to promote growth and deter pests. To help deter deer, marigolds, mint, and citronella plants were included in the garden. The project was a collaborative community effort. The raised beds were built by Master Gardener Volunteer David Alsobrook, and soil was donated by the Extension Master Gardeners. Plants were generously donated by Dena Westbrook of Shooting Creek Native Azaleas and the Clay County Extension Office. Master Gardener Volunteers Nancy Dutcher and Jess Dixon were also at the class to help provide support. Once the crop comes in, Kim Terrell will use it to teach a class on how to make and can salsa, later this summer.
The project not only provided a practical gardening lesson but also encouraged healthy living and community involvement among local seniors.
Resources:
Square-Foot Gardening
Square-Foot Gardening Publication
