Q: Dear Dave,This is not a question but a suggestion. I have been playing in the garden with aerobic compost tea, and have had good luck. I’m sure you’ve heard of this. What I do is get an aquarium air pump, tubing, three air stones or more, good compost, cheese clothe or paint strainer bag, 5 or more gallon bucket. …
When and How to Pick, Dry, and Start Anew
Q: Hello,I have a bird pepper plant my aunt brought back from Florida. It has grown very well but I don’t know when they need to be picked. They are green and about a half-inch long. Can you tell me what they should look like and what size and color they should be? Also how do you go about drying …
Light Cycle for Indoor Chiles
Q: Hi Dave!I’m going to grow chile peppers in containers indoors using artificial lighting. I was wondering what would be the best light cycle for the plants during their respective periods (vegetative, flower)?–Ronald A: Hello Ronald:Chiles benefit from the long days of summer, so use a cycle of 18 hours on, 6 hours off. Unlike some plants, chiles are not …
Grubs in the Bed
Q: Dear Dave,I have a raised hot pepper garden with 40 different types of peppers. Lately I’ve been finding grubs in the bed—will this hurt the plants? If so, what can be used to get rid of them?Thanks, Gordon A: Gordon:Most of the time grubs are common cutworms that attack only pepper seedlings and chop them down at the base. If …
Variability in Ripening & When to Pick
Q: Dear Dave,I grew habaneros for the first time this year and I am having a bumper crop! My question is this: The majority of my peppers have remained a deep green, while I have one that has turned orange early on. Is this normal for habanero plants? Also, what is the best way to know when to pick them?Thanks, …