Growing Peppers Indoors – Guidelines & Tips
If you’re looking to expand your vegetable garden to include fresh peppers… but you don’t have a patch of fertile soil outdoors, growing peppers indoors might be a good solution for you. Read on to discover our guidelines and tips for growing peppers indoors so you can start cultivating your own pepper plants.
Preparing the Space
Growing peppers indoors requires some space. Depending on the type of pepper you’re going to grow, the plants can reach up to 3 feet tall. Therefore, you will need to choose the right pot size and location for growing your peppers. Pick a container with at least 10 inches in diameter and 10 inches in depth, and place it where it will get 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. A southern-facing window is the best option.
Soil Considerations
When selecting soil for growing peppers indoors, use a peat-based potting mix intended for vegetative growth. If you cannot find such a mix, make your own blend with 2 parts peat to 1 part loam and 1 part perlite or coarse sand. Make sure to add a slow-release fertilizer to provide your plants with the nutrients they need.
Planting Peppers Indoors
You can start pepper seeds indoors under lights during the early spring and then transplant the seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. If you are just starting seeds indoors to be grown indoors, sow the seeds directly into your soil-filled containers, about ¼-inch deep. The containers should be kept in warm temperatures – between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Once you transplant the seedlings into the soil-filled containers, be sure to water them thoroughly.
Caring for Your Peppers
Water your pepper plants when the soil is dry, about once a week. Soaker hoses or containers with holes in the bottom work best for even water distribution. Be sure to keep the foliage dry to avoid fungal infections. Make sure to fertilize once every two weeks or so with a liquid or granular fertilizer. Prune the foliage as necessary to promote uniform growth.
Harvesting Peppers
Once the peppers reach maturity, use a pair of scissors or gardening shears to snip them from the stem. To ensure the highest quality of produce, you should pick them by mid- to late-morning when the sun is out. You can also store your peppers indoors and harvest them as needed.
Conclusion
Growing peppers indoors can be a rewarding experience if done properly. Be sure to provide your pepper plants with plenty of light and water and use healthy soil with nutrients to get the most out of your pepper plants. These few simple guidelines and tips can help you get started growing peppers indoors and can also help you achieve the best results!
