Peppers come in various shapes and sizes and are packed with vitamin C – Yellow and Red peppers contain more than double the vitamin C of a green pepper. Taste also varies from bitter to sweet to spicy. Peppers can be used in a variety of culinary applications, Roast stuffed peppers are a favourite of ours.

Preparation

Add some compost as Peppers require a well-balanced nutrient intake.

Sowing

Peppers do not like the cold, so plant out your seedlings after the last of the spring frosts. The soil temperature should be at least 65°F. Leave about 45cm between plants.

Position

Place in a part of your garden that receives at least 8 hours of sunshine every day. Some peppers don’t like very high temperatures.

Soil type

The soil should be well drained.

Tending

Do not use a high nitrogen content feed as this will result in less produce and more leaves. Keep the soil moist but not sodden.

Harvesting

Cut ripe peppers 1cm above their lid. If you have some unripe peppers when the first frost is due, then cut the plant, bring it inside, and allow the peppers to finish ripening inside.

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