Growing bell peppers is simple and rewarding. These peppers are loved for their “mild, sweet flavor and juicy flesh,” and nearly half of home gardeners enjoy planting them. Here’s how to cultivate your own:

1. Seed Starting Indoors: Begin indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Plant “two to three seeds per container” and thin out the weakest.
2. Planting Outdoors: When it’s “a steady 70 degrees or warmer,” transplant seedlings outside, 24 inches apart in sunlit, nutrient-rich soil.
3. Mulching: Mulch with “bark chips, pine needles, grass clippings or even straw” to control weeds and regulate soil temperature.
4. Watering: Provide “one to two inches of water per week,” increasing slightly in hot, dry conditions. Water at the plant’s base to avoid leaf saturation.
5. Fertilizing and Pest Management: Fertilize when plants blossom to boost fruit production. Watch for pests like aphids and beetles, and treat early as advised by garden center staff.
6. Harvesting: “Peppers are ready to harvest when they reach the size and color you’d like.” Cut the stem above the fruit to avoid damage.

By following these straightforward steps, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of bell peppers from your garden