(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 20, 2012 ) Terrington, England -- Along with onions and celery peppers now form the basis for many British dishes and soups, making growing them at home all the more rewarding for the keen vegetable gardener. Unfortunately unless one lives in a very mild part of the country with a south facing wall growing outside is very risky and unlikely to produce the crops one desires.
Sowing from Seed
There are many varieties of peppers on offer in seed packets at the garden centre. Some are more reliable than others and when starting out itÂ’s best to choose a reputable variety that one will know is going to crop. There are also ornamental varieties that produce extravagant coloured fruit such as purple and white, however these will be much smaller and unlikely to feed a family.
To make sure to have enough to feed the family, plant two to three plants per person, or more if one would like to freeze some.
When learning how to grow peppers, peppers cannot be sown direct in Britain, by the time the soil is warm enough to germinate the seeds the season isnÂ’t long enough to produce fruit on the plants. Sow seeds under glass in a greenhouse or heated propagator, ideally at 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sow two seeds together and remove the weakest when they start to grow. One can then transplant into 9 inch pots and grow in the greenhouse or for warmer climates move them outside once a good bush has formed.
Transplanting Outside
If one would like to grow peppers on the veggie patch prepare the ground first. Cover for at least a week with plastic to warm the soil. Then one can remove the plastic or transplant into slits that a personmake. This should ensure soil is warm enough for the plants to fruit.
In the greenhouse or conservatory
Peppers will thrive in a greenhouse or conservatory; a person can grow in pots or grow bags. They will need support from canes as they grow to three foot tall. However, outdoor plants are much shorter.
Maintenance and Care
Peppers prefer well drained fertile soil and humidity. With each watering misting is recommended to deter red mite. They also benefit from tomato food as the fruits begin to develop, giving them all the fertilization they need.
Harvesting
Peppers are best picked when green and plump, they will change colour if left on a window sill to ripen. They can be stored for up to two weeks in the fridge, or sliced and frozen ready to use in dishes when needed.
Lavender World specialises in lavender-based products. From essential oils to beauty products and lavender plants, its knowledge of lavender is unrivalled. One of its specialisms is garden plants, and it provides tips and advice to its customers on how to get the most from their gardening.
For more information, please contact LavenderWorld on 01653 648 008, via info@lavenderworld.co.uk or visit their website at www.lavenderworld.co.uk
