Peppers

Peppers are quite tender and do not tolerate cold well at all.

If the season looks like it is off to a late start then don’t hesitate to plant out pepper seedlings a week later than tomatoes just to be sure. They really shouldn’t go in unless the night time low temperature is staying consistently above 12C. We make a point to start our pepper seedlings at least a week before the tomatoes and in very warm conditions to maximize their growth before you put them in the ground.
It is a good idea to add some compost into the garden bed when getting it ready for planting. When we plant out peppers here we like to add a handful of compost or organic fertilizer and one of bonemeal into the planting hole and mix it in gently before we put the seedling into the hole. This way the plants get the nutrients and calcium and magnesium that they love.
Don’t let your peppers fully dry out if possible and feel free to give them some watered in kelp- based or other organic fertilizer from time to time.
If the weather is unseasonably cool and you want to encourage your pepper plants to thrive then you may wish to cover them with a plastic frame. Just be sure to pay attention that the temperature doesn’t get too hot if the weather does swing back or the sun is very strong or you may burn your plants.
Most peppers can be picked green once the fruits are full sized and firm but if you have the patience to leave them on the plant they will continue to ripen and transform into their splendid reds, oranges, yellows or purples. The flavours often mellow and improve during this process as well.
It is worth noting that peppers seem to dislike being planted beside beans or brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower etc) and fennel. They make good neighbours with cucumbers, eggplants, squash, tomatoes, carrots, chard and herbs.