Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips
Peppers are an incredibly rewarding vegetable to grow, and you don’t need a garden or the perfect growing conditions to begin your pepper-growing journey. Growing peppers indoors is an easy endeavor, providing you with a delicious and nutrient-rich addition to your cooking.
Setting Up the Growing Space
To begin your pepper-growing endeavor you’ll first need to set up your growing space. Peppers need plenty of light, with 6-8 hours of bright, direct sunlight each day being optimal. While some peppers can tolerate some shade, the majority of peppers need strong sunlight for successful growth. You’ll also need a quality soil mix, a good-sized pot, and access to a watering can.
Choosing the Right Pepper
Choosing the right pepper is essential for chilly or short-season climates. Choose peppers that are compact and low growing, such as sweeter mini bell peppers, Cubanelles, or jalapeños. These will best fit in your indoor growing space and can also be grown in the colder months.
Planting the Seeds
First, fill the pot with soil, leaving a few inches of soil at the top to allow for drainage. Next, add a layer of fertilizer over the soil. Use a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer, mixing it into the soil with a small garden trowel. Once you’ve spread the fertilizer, level the soil and make sure that it’s even. Place the seeds about one inch apart in the soil and cover them with ¼ inch of soil.
Dealing With Temperature & Water Issues
Peppers love warm temperatures, and keeping the plants warm will help them thrive. If the temperature in your room drops too low, use a heat mat or place the pot on a window sill that gets a lot of sun. The ideal soil temperature for seeds is between 70-80°F.
Make sure you keep the soil moist but not wet, otherwise the peppers may rot. Water the soil thoroughly, then wait until the pot has drained completely before adding any more water. You should also spray the leaves of the pepper plants lightly if the humidity is lower than 50%.
Harvest Time
When the peppers have reached the desired size, it’s time to harvest them. Use clean gardening shears or scissors to cut the peppers from the plant. Make sure you wear gloves, as peppers can cause skin irritation. Enjoy your delicious, homegrown peppers!
Growing peppers indoors is a great way to enjoy the bounty of the garden year-round. With some simple guidelines and a bit of care, you can enjoy homegrown peppers even if you don’t have a large outdoor space to call home.
