Peppers, or Capsicums as we call them in Australia, have similar conditions as tomatoes. They like a rich soil preferably planting in an area that has previously had a legume in it be it peas or beans, which locks in some of the nitrogen for good healthy growth.
I strongly advocate to use purely organic methods for overall health for the soil & thus the plants and ultimately yourself.
So if you already have a garden bed established. Begin by testing the PH Peppers like a neutral Ph of 7. If it is lower sprinkle a little lime and turn in. If the soil is lacking humus or carbon being organic matter , best to put in ample amounts of compost as well as some composted manure, cow is best.
If you do decide to use chicken manure make sure it is well composted before planting. You can also add some natural minerals as well as natural seaweed for the trace elements.
I also prefer to use the biodynamic preparations which put in the right bacteria and microbes and do get everything in the right balance. You can buy these at most biodynamic associations near you or they can me mailed as well. One uses them at least 4 times a year for maximum benefit to your overall garden.
Once the soil is right you are assurred of healthy plants and highly nutritious vegetables in this case peppers. You can either plant from seed direct where you want them to grow or in pots in the colder months to transplant when it is warmer. They are frost sensitive so always sow or transplant after all danger of frosts past.
They take about as long as tomatoes before you can start harvesting and do require to be kept moist a good water once a week is preferable to many little waterings as this develops a stronger root system, making for stronger plants.
You can also during the growing season make a compost or manure tea and feed weekly. But do remember that you want to increase the fruit not the leaves. One great way to ensure more fruit to leaves is actually dependant upon the sowing time of the seeds. This works with both the planetary cycles of the planets as well as the moon cycles. A good Biodynamic calender is more thorough then just a simple moon planting one. So you would sow on a fruit day. You can even do an experiment to see the difference of this for your own confirmation.
So by doing all of this you should be free from all pests and diseases and do not use herbicides or pesticides as this will only totally put your garden out of balance it will destroy the beneficial insects and the microorganisms which work to keep your garden healthy. Plus your food will taste better and be more healthy for you.
There are several varities of peppers, from the sweet to the hot chillies.
The Bell Peppers will begin green and as they mature change from yellow to red. So pick for the desired ripeness. There are even ones that are chocolate in colour and of course the banana varieties.
With your seed it is best to use the heirloom varities as many seeds in the US have been genetically modified. So best to buy from a certified organic seed provider. From there once you have harvested your peppers you can save the seed for next years crop and give to your friends & neighbours. Just remove and dry and once thoroughly dry place in a jar and label it. One can do this with all seeds except the dreaded genetically modified ones.
So happy gardening!
