Peppery Starts

2017 was a disappointing year for many veg in the garden, not the least of which were the peppers.

The season started off well – in fact, the pepper transplants were the largest and most robust that I had ever grown:

Pepper transplants in 2017

In the past, once the pepper seedlings were potted up to larger containers in late March/early April, I would start to water them with diluted kelp fertilizer.  Last year, I changed things up and decided to use full strength kelp fertilizer every two weeks instead of diluted fertilizer at every watering.  Once again, I did this only after the seedlings had been potted up.  I'm thinking that this was the main reason behind how well they did.

One thing that I DIDN’T do was use a heat mat after the seedlings germinated.   In 2016 I kept the seedlings on the heat mat until I potted them up (at which point I removed the mat) but last year I grew many more ornamentals which meant that I ran short of mats and the seedlings had to go without.

Now would the transplants have been even better had I kept them toastier?  Perhaps, but I’m more than happy with the results that I did get so I’ll be doing the same thing this year.

Peppers after transplanting

We were off to a good start but once the peppers were planted in their bed, it was pretty much downhill from there, starting with the rabbits:

Dang rabbits

Then a rainy summer promoted slugs and lots of them.  Other than the wet weather, there was one issue that I didn’t foresee which also gave the slugs a leg up – I grew the peppers in Bed #18 which is right beside an asparagus bed.  Once the asparagus ferned out in early summer, it shaded the pepper bed for a good chunk of the day.  Since bed #18 and the asparagus beds were both relatively new, I didn't realize that this would be an issue.  It was a lesson learned – I’ll have to limit the veg that grow in the two beds next to the asparagus to those that can tolerate partial shade.

But the added shade wasn’t the only issue as even the grow bags that were in full sun didn’t fare much better.  In fact, at least 75% of the peppers in the grow bags ended up in the compost due to slug damage or rotting caused by slug damage.

I count 2, possibly 3 slugs in this photo...

The bottom line?  The total pepper harvest went from 43 lbs. in 2016 to 14 lbs. in 2017.  Yes, just pitiful.  BUT it’s a new year which means a fresh start – don’t you just love that? – and this year the pepper bed will be in a nice, sunny spot in the main garden which will, hopefully, contribute to a bountiful harvest.

As for varieties, I’m growing a total of 17 this year, concentrating more on the sweet rather than the hot.

Returning Favourites

Sweet:  Jimmy Nardello, Melrose, Stocky Red Roaster, Carmen, Chervena Chushka, Feher Ozon, Odessa Market, Shishito

Hot:  Hungarian Hot Wax, Italian Pepperoncino, Anaheim, Lu Mei


Newcomers

Sweet:  Fiariello, Antohi Romanian
Hot:  Ancho, Joe Parker and Aji Golden*

*Super excited to try this gorgeous pepper generously provided by Dave from Our Happy Acres.

As usual, I started my peppers in February and so far so good.  Out of 32 pots, I am only waiting on germination from two more.  It’s getting a bit late in the game, but I’m not worried as I always sow one or two extra seeds for each variety.  Even if the stragglers don’t come up, I’ll be able to sub out another variety.

Extra Jimmy Nardello seedlings, just in case

Once I have all the seedlings that I need, the extras will be pinched out.  I don’t bother growing them out since space under the lights is limited and I don’t usually have an issue with seedlings failing once they get to this stage (knock on wood!).

I love seeing all that green under the grow lights at this time of year – my optimism for the coming season overfloweth 😀