Growing Pepper Plants

Bell pepper plants can be purchased or you can start them inside via seed. When the danger of frost has passed it is time to plant pepper plants. Plant about 18 to 24 inches apart when the soil outside is around 65 degrees. Any colder and the plants are in danger of not making it. 

Bell peppers should be planted in an area that has good drainage. They require adequate moisture that can be offered through mulch or plastic covering. Peppers do not do well in high heat and may require daily watering in cooler areas it may not be as often. Fertilizer should be added to the plant after the first pepper has been spotted. Cages or stakes may be needed to help prevent the pepper plant from bending. 

Peppers can be harvested as soon as peppers reach desired size. Bell peppers become sweeter the longer they stay on the plant. The use of a knife or scissors may be needed to cut pepper off plant. After harvesting peppers can be kept in refrigerator in plastic bags up to 10 days after harvesting.