How Can I Increase My Pepper Harvest?

Did you improve your soil before planting your peppers?

Did you plant your pepper seedlings after all danger of frost has passed?

Did you plant your peppers in full sun?

Do you feed your peppers monthly with a balanced garden fertilizer?

Do you water your peppers regularly and evenly?

Do you search for pests and diseases regularly?

Improve the planting hole with one-third fertile humus, such as rotted manure or manure compost. Rich in nutrients, manure naturally feeds pepper plants throughout the season. It also retains moisture, which is essential for good nutrient uptake.

Plant pepper seedlings after all danger of frost has passed. Planting seedlings brings the plants to maturity faster than sowing seeds, so you'll get earlier flowering and fruiting.

Set the plants in full sun. The more sun, the better the yield. Space plants far enough apart that they don't shade each other.

Fertilize the plants with 2 tablespoons balanced garden fertilizer, like 10-10-10. Do this when you plant the seedlings, then side-dress with fertilizer once a month after that.

Water your peppers in the absence of rain to maintain even soil moisture. Inconsistent moisture interferes with flowering and can ruin fruit on the plant before it ripens. Water at ground level, not overhead, which can damage flowers. Wet leaves also encourage fungal diseases that can weaken the plant and reduce the harvest.

Harvest the fruit before it ripens. Many peppers, such as sweet bell pepper, are harvested before they ripen. When picked green, the plant produces more flowers and sets more fruit.

At least once a week, examine your peppers for pests and diseases. Check the foliage, especially the lower leaves for leaf spots and holes. Look over the fruit for damage, soft spots, or cracks. Any sign of pests or diseases should be observed as soon as it appears so you can deal with them timely and accordingly.