Want to harvest peppers before the neighboring plot owners do? It all starts with choosing the right time to sow!
Experienced gardeners know how to grow strong bushes. The main thing is not to miscalculate the timing.
But when exactly to start? The answer depends on where you plan to grow it - indoors, under cover, or directly in the open air.
Seedlings - the start of success
Peppers are rarely sown directly into the ground - the crop is too heat-loving. The optimal start for them is the end of February or the beginning of March.
The seeds are planted in loose soil with neutral acidity, providing warmth and bright light.
Yogurt cups or egg trays are ideal. To prevent sprouts from stretching, keep them near a window or under a phytolamp.
By the time of planting, the bushes will have time to grow stronger and gain strength.
Greenhouse: early harvest under protection
You can experiment with a heated shelter as early as early March. But if the greenhouse does not warm up, there is no need to rush - it is better to wait until May.
The finished seedlings are transferred to the ground when the night temperature does not drop below +17°C.
It is important to monitor the humidity: drying out the soil is detrimental to peppers.
During the day, the greenhouse should be warm (+22-27°C), but without overheating - otherwise the plants will drop their ovaries.
Direct Sowing into the Ground: When to Take the Risk?
The seedless method is suitable only for southern regions. In the middle zone, seeds are sown in the ground no earlier than mid-May, when the threat of frost has passed.
To help the peppers adapt, the seedlings are hardened off in advance: they are taken out onto the balcony or placed near a slightly open window. This strengthens the plants and prepares them for change.
After planting, the beds are mulched - this retains moisture and protects the roots from temperature changes.
The secret to pepper productivity is not only in timing, but also in care. Regular watering, protection from the cold and attention to detail will turn modest sprouts into generous bushes. Try it - and in the fall your beds will surprise even experienced gardeners!
Author: Elena Shimanovskaya