<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n11. Transplanting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n It may be tempting to plant your peppers in the garden early, but you should wait until the seasonal frosts end, and then wait for a further 3-weeks to ensure there are no additional cold snaps that could kill the plant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bell peppers don’t respond well to cold environments, and if you plant them during a cold spell, they are likely not to take and die. Before you place your peppers outdoors, take a week to acclimatize the plants to the weather and external; environment. Take them outdoors during the peak sun hours of the day, and then bring them indoors overnight. This hardening process helps the pepper plant transition from one environment to the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s vital that the soil temperature reaches a minimum of 65\u00b0F before transplanting your peppers. Transplanting is especially stressful on the plant. Therefore, it’s best to give them at least 18-inches of room between other vegetables in the garden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\n12. Pest and Disease Control<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, not only are bell peppers sensitive to environmental factors, but they also suffer from overwatering and poor soil drainage conditions as well. It’s reasonably common for bell peppers to develop root rot and fungal disease, causing a state of permanent wilting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overly moist conditions affect bell peppers, particularly the root systems of the plant. As a result, the peppers may develop “blossom end rot,” this disease creates dark, sunken spots on the fruit. Blossom end rot is reasonably common in organic bell peppers, and it’s a symptom of calcium deficiency in the plant. Blossom end rot rarely occurs in GMO fruits because they grow in optimal climates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There’s a variety of reasons why the peppers may be calcium deficient, even with adequate levels of calcium in the soil. If the pH of the earth is too low, then the plants may not be able to absorb the required amount of calcium to fruit properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n13. Soil and pH<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Bell peppers thrive in warm, moderately wet climates, with plenty of sunlight. If you reside in the northern states, and you are not growing your peppers in a greenhouse, then you can cover the ground around the plant with a black plastic trash bag. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This insulation helps to lock the moisture into the soil while keeping the area around the roots warm on colder days and nights. However, when the weather starts warming up, you’ll need to remove the plastic sheet, or you run the risk of killing the beneficial bacteria in the soil, wrecking the pH and nutrient value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bell peppers love fertile, loamy soil, with a neutral pH. Watering is a critical part of ensuring your plants come out looking fantastic, and yield the best fruit. Ensure that you evenly water the pepper plants, as overwatering or under watering will affect the yield. Watering between 1 and 1- \u00bd-inches weekly will be sufficient for healthy pepper plants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n14. Harvesting Tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Harvesting your peppers is all about personal preference. Most peppers are ready after 75-days, and if you pick them from the plant at this stage, they are typically green in color and have enough flesh to eat. However, the longer you leave the peppers on the plant, the sweeter the taste. You’ll also notice some peppers start to turn color from green to red, to purple or brown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The color changes occur due to the increase in natural sugars in the pepper. As the peppers mature, they increase their vitamin C content as well. When harvesting your bells, it’s vital that you do so with a sharp knife and a steady hand. The last thing you want to do is accidentally shake the plant while harvesting, resulting in underdeveloped peppers falling to the ground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rinse your peppers with purified water to remove any toxins and soil from the surface of the pepper. Dry the fruit and then store it in the crisper bin of your fridge. Your peppers should last for up to 10-days after picking if stored correctly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n