Bell Peppers

Pepper is a tender, warm-season vegetable. Pepper plants require somewhat higher temperatures, grow more slowly and are smaller than most tomato plants.When I first started growing bell peppers, I was not sure whether the green, yellow, and red were different plants, but as it turns out they are one and the same and they are just different stages of the fruit.

When to plant. Peppers are best started from seeds indoors in late winter and then transplanted into the garden after the soil and air have warmed in the spring, late April or early May.

How to plant. I started with the seeds I took off of a red pepper plant that I bought from the store. I have had success with this and had never bought seed from a packet. Set transplants 18 to 24 inches apart in the row, or 14 to 18 inches apart in all directions in beds

Note: Peppers do not do well on cold and wet soil. The most common problems later in the season are hot, dry winds and warm nights (above 70°F). Periods of extreme heat, with or without wind, may prevent fruit set, especially in some varieties.

Harvest. Fruits may be harvested at any size desired. Green bell varieties, however, are usually picked when they are fully grown and mature—3 to 4 inches long, firm and green. When the fruits are mature, they break easily from the plant. Less damage is done to the plants, however, if the fruits are cut rather than pulled off. The new, colored bell pepper fruits may be left on the plant to develop full flavor and turn into variety of colors.

Health Benefits. Nutritionally, peppers vary depending on the variety and stage of maturity. In general, all peppers are a good source of vitamin A and C; the red ones are bursting with these two antioxidants. Antioxidants are a group of nutrients that neutralize free radicals in the body fluids reducing the risk of disease.