In Utopia, the morning soil temperature will be 70 f when planting peppers. I would rather be a little late than early. Planting peppers too early will not bring an early harvest. Spring weather in our part of the world can be very unpredictable as was demonstrated by last April’s freeze.
Both hot and sweet peppers do well in our area. The “Gypsy” sweet pepper is my favorite. Peppers need six or more hours of sunlight a day. I try to plant them so they are shaded in the hottest part of the afternoon. Since I grow my veggies as all-natural as possible I pick fertilizers accordingly. After the pre-plant fertilization, Espoma’s Tomato Tone is my go-to spring garden fertilizer. I know it says tomato, just don’t let the pepper see the label! I have been known to put a tablespoon of Epson salt in the hole before planting. Be sure to put some soil between the Epson salt and the plant. Keeping moist levels constant is another key factor in pepper production.
The good thing about peppers is that they are very resistant to most diseases. You do need to keep an eye out for aphids. All-natural control of aphids includes beneficial insects (lady bugs), oils, insecticidal soap and pyrethrin.
