How to Grow Peppers

There are so many different types of peppers to choose from sweet bell peppers, to hot cayenne peppers. Every kind of meal can benefit from a pepper. Homegrown ones are the best because they have a great flavor profile. Peppers start out green but grow into gorgeous red, purple, orange, and yellow hues. Be careful when eating them, and always check to make sure you know what kind of pepper you are eating.

Start your seeds in a cup or flats during the end of the cold season. 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. When transplanting them outside place them in a sunny location in your garden where they can get at least six hours of sunlight. Peppers can grow in any container if it drains well. They make for some great balcony or windowsill plants. Space them out about 18-24 inches apart and use some compost to help fertilize the soil.

You will need to water them immediately after transplanting. Peppers require one to two inches of water a week, unless it is a heatwave. It is best to lay some mulch down to help the soil with moisture and nutrients. Once the pepper plant starts growing, use a stake to keep it upright. The weight of the pepper might be too heavy for the stem to hold up on its own. If you can, side-dress your plants with some fertilizer throughout the season to aid growth.

Remember to be mindful when handling hot peppers. Do not rub your eyes or nose after cooking, or oil will get into your eyes, flush with water if that happens. Try wearing gloves when handling hot peppers, and wash everything to avoid spreading the oil around. If you ingest a pepper that is too hot for your mouth, drink some milk or eat some yogurt to combat the heat. They are delicious but need to be handled carefully.