Start Bell Pepper Plants Early

To ensure a good crop of bell peppers, it is important to remember that they require a long growing season. You can start the seed now (2/25)

Some time last year, I bought a bell pepper and kept the seed. Thirteen days ago, I planted the seed. I already have small seedlings.

It is not necessary that you have seed kept from last year. You can use seed from peppers you buy today. Just collect them from a pepper, spread them out on a surface and allow them to dry for a week, then plant 1/4 inch deep in indoor containers.

Place the containers where they will receive sunlight, such as an east or south facing window sill and keep the soil constantly moist but not wet. By the time the outside soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has past, the seedlings will have grown to good size plants and will be ready for planting outside.

Last year, Lowes sold six cell packs of bell peppers for $3.49. I refuse to pay that amount. I'm sure this year's plants will be much higher. With bell peppers being one of the easiest crops to grow, it would be foolish not to grow your own. They are resistant to most pests and diseases and require little fertilizer. If you don't have a garden, peppers will easily grow in containers placed where they get full sun most of the day. Two gallon containers or larger would be ideal. The plants are ideal for raised beds.

Just remember that the earlier you start your seeds, the more likely you'll have a good crop.