Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips
Freshly grown peppers are a tasty part of many meals, and very rewarding to grow at home. Whether you’re growing peppers as a fun hobby or to fill your kitchen with freshly picked fruits, there are a few things you should know before getting started.
Choose the Right Variety of Pepper
The most important thing you need to know about growing peppers indoors is which variety to choose. Not all varieties can be grown indoors and yield good, edible fruit. Popular varieties that do well indoors include:
- Banana pepper
- Jalapeno
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Bell pepper
Once you have chosen the variety that is most suitable, you need to buy the seeds.
Prepare the Soil
To ensure that your pepper plants have the best possible chance of survival, you need to prepare the soil. Start by mixing 2 parts compost and 1 part peat moss in a large container. This will provide the soil with plenty of nutrients and proper drainage. Make sure that the container is at least 8-10 inches deep, and add a few inches of drainage material at the bottom.
Planting the Seeds
Once you have chosen the right variety and prepared the soil, it’s time to plant the seeds. Fill the container with the soil and dampen it with water. Then, sprinkle a few pepper seeds in the soil and gently press down–making sure not to allow the seeds to become submerged. Be sure to label your container so that you can keep track of which variety is planted.
Water and Fertilize
Once the seeds are planted, make sure to keep them well-watered. Aim to keep the soil damp but not soggy. Additionally, many varieties of pepper require regular fertilizing to help the plant grow and produce fruit. Use a fertilizer that is specially formulated for peppers, such as a 5-10-10 fertilizer.
Harvesting the Peppers
Once the pepper plants are fully grown and have produced fruit, it’s time to harvest! Pick the peppers when they are at their desired ripeness – usually when the skin has changed color – and enjoy!
Growing peppers from the comfort of your own home is a rewarding and delicious experience. Follow these guidelines and tips, and you will soon be savoring the delight of freshly harvested pepper fruits!
