Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips
If you’re a fan of peppers and want to start your own pepper garden indoors, then this article is for you! Growing peppers indoors is a great way to get fresh produce year round, without having to purchase them in the store. Here, we’ll go through some guidelines and tips for successful pepper gardening indoors.
Choose the Right Varieties
When it comes to growing peppers indoors, it is important to choose varieties that are well-suited for indoor growing. Bell peppers are a good choice for interior gardens, as their thick walls store more moisture and better withstand being moved from one location to the next. If you’re looking for more of a hotter choice, yellow or red chili peppers are a better fit for indoor cultivation.
How to Plant
Now that you’ve decided on which type of pepper you’ll grow, the next step is planting. When planting indoors, it is recommended to start with young seedlings. This ensures they have a better chance to survive the transition to a new environment.
Soil Type
When it comes to soil, it is ideally to use a light soil with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8. As peppers need a lot of nutrients, a soil mix rich in organic matter is ideal. Compost or aged manure is also a good choice. Be sure to mix the soil well, as this will help the peppers absorb more nutrients.
Pot Size
When selecting a pot for your pepper plants, it is important to choose one that is big enough for the plant to grow, but not too big that it causes the soil to dry out between waterings. The pot should also have proper drainage and have enough soil depth (at least 12-18 inches) to accommodate the roots of the pepper plants.
Light & Temperature
Peppers require a lot of light, at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. You can supplement this with light indoors using a grow light. Make sure the plants are rotated often to ensure even coverage. As for temperature, peppers prefer a range of 65-80°F (18-27°C).
Fertilization & Watering
It is important to fertilize peppers on a regular basis. Organic fertilizer is ideal as it provides necessary nutrients while also helping to improve the fertility and quality of the soil. As for watering, peppers should be given a good soak every two to three days, depending upon the temperature/humidity in your home. If the soil becomes too dry, the pepper fruits could be damaged.
Final Thoughts
With a bit of dedication and some practice, growing peppers indoors is a great way to enjoy fresh home-grown peppers year round. If you follow these guidelines and tips, you’ll be well on your way to having a successful pepper garden indoors.
