Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips
Growing peppers indoors can be a fun, rewarding gardening experience. Peppers are relatively easy to grow indoors, and if you follow a few key guidelines, may even produce numerous harvests throughout the year. This article walks through the basics of growing peppers indoors as well as some tips and tricks that can help you get more out of this rewarding hobby.
Getting Started – Plant Type & Supplies
Your first step is to decide what type of peppers you’d like to grow. Some common varieties include bell peppers, jalapenos, and habaneros. Whichever type you choose, you’ll need to purchase certified seedlings or seeds for planting. You’ll also need to stock up on some key supplies such as quality potting soil, a growing container or pots, and an artificial grow light.
Creating the Right Environment
Once you’ve gathered all of the necessary materials, it’s time to prepare the growing environment for your pepper plants. You’ll need to create an environment with the perfect temperature and lighting for growing peppers. Typically, peppers need temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees for healthy growth, but there are certain types, such as habanero, which prefer slightly warmer temperatures. Artificial grow lights should be used when possible to supplement natural sunlight exposure, allowing your plants to get about 14 hours of light each day.
Day to Day Care & Maintenance
Once you’ve established the optimal environment, it’s time to focus on day to day care and maintenance. Make sure to water your plants regularly, and pay extra attention to the potting mix. Peppers need a well-draining soil, so be sure not to overwater your plants. Additionally, fertilize your plants every two to four weeks using an all-purpose fertilizer. Finally, it’s important to inspect your plants daily for signs of pests, such as aphids, and take appropriate action.
Harvesting & Enjoying Your Peppers
If you have followed all of the guidance so far, you should be able to enjoy a healthy pepper harvest in no time. Peppers usually take three to four weeks to reach maturity. When the peppers are ripe, they will usually be a deep red, orange, or purple color. Once fully mature, simply pick the peppers right off the stem and enjoy!
Conclusion
If you follow the simple guidelines and tips laid out in this article, you should be able to enjoy a successful pepper harvest. Growing peppers indoors is a great way to get your hands dirty and enjoy the rewards of gardening. Best of luck to you on your pepper growing journey!
