How I Make My Peppers Grow Faster For Free

[@nicolesinclair5184]

I appreciate how you have flowers in almost every bed.

[@hilpri]

Compost over straw to build heat? Be still my heart! You are a garden genius, Jacques.

[@aileenbell6750]

Oh my heavenly days. This. ❤

[@jellojoe00]

He lives in California. How hot does he need it to be.

[@thecanningbandit8466]

The compost will germinate any seed in the straw, no? I like this idea but, it only works if you use a soaker hose. We are on a well with livestock. Some days our cattle are drinking so much water there’s no water pressure for the garden so, I have to water by hand. Overhead watering of the compost with the straw under it would be a disaster. Am I wrong?

[@PlaneJaneCars]

Love your editing style. The transition to a voice over while staying in the same scene, then syncing the sound back in is dope. It’s really cool over the time lapses. Keep it up! It makes the pacing excellent.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Very glad to hear this! Thank you!

[@jcking6785]

Totally agree. It’s obvious you put a lot of thought into your editing.

[@TanyardTerrace]

Sound is 💯

[@sillydog70]

Yeah, he could actually do a video on how to copy his tactics for doing that that would be pretty interesting like a behind-the-scenes episode. I don’t know just an idea.

[@HilesHaven]

Your slight subtle upgrades are so brilliant. Your videos are always so serene. I'm addicted to you!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Very happy to hear that, I try to get as much benefit as I can with what I have around me!

[@wayneu1233]

My wife and I visited Mt. Vernon and Monticello last summer, and I was really surprised to see that in both historic gardens the peppers were planted in blocks no more than about 8-10” apart in all directions. I’m going to try this technique this year in my zone 7 garden in New Jersey.

[@jm3517]

Thanks for mentioning the Ukrainian pepper! My girl and her family immigrated here from Ukraine so I love growing varieties of things that remind them of home!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

That's awesome, so many delicious foods to grow! I always grow varieties from Bulgaria to keep some connection as well

[@Gardenfrog]

Great tips. I don’t often see the cool wind issue addressed. I love that you offered the tip of dark compost mulch as an alternative to black plastic. Thanks. Happy gardening!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Cold wind is very impactful on plant growth, something I've learned from seed starting outside.

[@fedupwithem6208]

I don't always have Aphids, but when I do I make sure to handle them and then sweep my hand across all of my pepper plants.

[@larpbusters]

💀

[@Wonderland_Homestead]

Omg he did it

[@derrickmiller3562]

😂

[@ericajones9813]

I have been planting my peppers holding hands for a while and for me it definitely helps.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Glad to hear this!

[@MrEzekiel1982]

People give me hard time when I say this sometimes: but I’ve seen that when I use epsom salts dissolved as a liquid fertilizer it makes my peppers hotter. My buddy once went overkill and broadcasted epsom salts right over a patch and planted peppers. Even the jalapeños knocked our socks off

[@jacquesinthegarden]

That is really interesting, could be a fun experiment.

[@MrEzekiel1982]

I can’t remember the guys name but he was the world pepper champion grower and I remember him saying he used just fish meal and Epsom salts. I’ve been doing it ever since

[@rmgalardo]

I've heard it's because the Epsom salts pull out the water and water dilutes the capsaicin. But I do not know facts here lol just repeating what I've been told.

[@xaviercruz4763]

Wonder if that happened and was because salt draws moisture off things (could test this by triying sea salt or other to see if same results happen) also wonder if it makes tomatoes sweeter then?

[@MrEzekiel1982]

@@xaviercruz4763 I think it’s the magnesium

[@debbiemelander289]

The Leysa pepper is in my top favorites. So sweet and I love the tear drop shape.

[@993ti]

Love the big echium flowering in the background!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

It's nearing its peak!

[@rar40]

For the 'holding hands', I take 2 3-foot bamboo stakes when I plant my 2 peppers together and tie them together at the top. Then clip the main stem to the stakes as they grow. Eventually they grow into eachother!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

That is a great idea, will very likely do just that. I had overlooked the support at this point.

[@brooklynnchick]

Your videos (and Kevin’s) are a key ingredient in my mental health management plan AND I am learning so much about gardening from you. Thank you, friend. ❤

[@Jacqueline-nk1pt]

This is super helpful! I am planning on transplanting 30+ pepper plants and I don't have enough space for all of them. Good to know that I can plant them fairly close to each other.

[@jodibraun6383]

Oof! Me too! I started 33 different varieties (and several of each germinated), *and* I keep finding new pepper varieties that I don't have amongst my own starts. So of course I have to get those, too. And that's just the peppers. Not even talking about tomatoes or eggplants. 😂 Thank goodness I have lots of gardening friends who will gladly take the extras that I don't have room for. And thanks to peppers for being so friendly as to love "holding hands:. ❤

[@Jacqueline-nk1pt]

@@jodibraun6383 I have 2 neighbors who want to start growing their own veggies. Except, here's the issue... I don't want to get rid of any of my plant babies. I'm finding it so difficult to let go of them. Especially my new pepper varieties. I have 10 lemon jalapeno plants but I want them all! I have 10 tomatillo plants and I can't let 1 go. At this point I need to be on Hoarders. I did manage to give SOME away. But I could give more away... if only I had the will.

[@jesswelsh9838]

I could watch & listen to you garden all day long! You're definitely my favorite on YT. Happy growing Jacques 💚 🌻

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Thanks for this, I do appreciate the kind words.

[@brianmoore4299]

One of my favorite gardeners to watch. I knew you already planted these as I saw the video you and Kevin did at his place regarding pepper planting. You mentioned that yours were in for a week already. Love your style. As I told you in the comments section a month or so back, my peppers are already in the ground and producing for me. We don't get that coastal cool down y'all have. It's much warmer here in Loma Linda. Next to Redlands for those unfamiliar with Loma Linda. I did pick some peppercini's this morning along with some shallots and artichoke. Still have to wait for the bells that are producing. Not big nor ripe enough yet. But they're coming. (I planted about thirty). Potatoes are doing well. I've already harvested approx fifteen lbs worth and expect another twenty to twenty five lbs. They'll come at the end of May. Plan to start (direct sow) my melons this weekend. Yellow flesh watermelon, cantaloupe, and honey dew. All purchased through botanical interests. Y'all's seed company.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Wow that is awesome, even my overwintered peppers have barely started to produce anything. I will be putting in my melons and such probably mid May or so so seems like we are offset by a few weeks to a month. The artichokes are wonderful right now, I need to find a space to add more to my garden.

[@brianmoore4299]

@@jacquesinthegarden I know it's not necessary but I'd like to send a photo or two. All are planted in birdies tall raised beds or the large grow bags. I'm admittedly not tech savvy so do not know how to send you photos.

[@twitchy_bird]

​​@@brianmoore4299 I bet they have an email you can send them to, and they definitely have a Facebook page and group you could post in.

[@brianmoore4299]

@@twitchy_bird Thank you for that info. I do not participate in Facebook in anyway. No social media except KZbin. I know Kevin has some way of receiving photos because every time I purchased a bed he sends me emails asking for photos and reviews. If I'm honest I'd blame myself for being lazy. I'm certain I could send it to Kevin and our friend the garden hermit could get them. I would just need to put a line in the text that lets him know I'd like for Jacques to get it or see it. Right now is my chemotherapy week so maybe next week I'll look into doing that. I just have to make an effort. Thank you for your suggestions though. I do appreciate your taking the time to respond with helpful suggestions.

[@twitchy_bird]

@@brianmoore4299 I hear you dude lol I haven't used Facebook in a decade or more. I hope your chemo has gone as well as it can this week, and I think the business email would be the best bet. I think something in the subject line about Jaques getting a look would perfect. I'm sure they would both love to get some pictures when you have more energy!

[@kimberleychapman8416]

This video was very helpful even though I live in the U.K. in zone 8b. I have to grow my peppers in large pots in the greenhouse, but I will double-check the soil temp before I pot them on (they’re now in small pots in my house since our last freeze date is in 9 days!).

[@jacquesinthegarden]

So close to your season going into full swing!

[@marygehling3466]

Jacques, I really look forward to all your videos. Your style is so genuine and informative. I am growing vegetables for the first time (usually focus on herbs and flowers) here on the north Oregon coast. I’m also growing peppers and one of them is Leysa! I was delighted to hear how much you enjoy that pepper. As you can imagine, we get cold winds off the ocean so I will definitely be trying out your burlap screen. Thanks again for such great video content!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

The cool winds for sure are more damaging than people think! It just slows the plant down instead of killing them but it can have a big impact.

[@itsmeayanna]

Yall are popping out videos like crazy!!!! I love it 🥰

[@jacquesinthegarden]

More to come!

[@patsyden6276]

This sounds all good for the higher more warmer zones. In zone 4 and the pepper plants are under grow lights. Your gardens are looking great. Very jealous. Have a great day. Thank you for sharing.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Oof, when is your planting date?

[@siarlbychan]

I live in the west Texs desert and I have had great success with using green lacewing larvae to take care of aphids on my peppers, tomatoes and other starts inside of my home under grow lights. But everything you have there looks great and I appreciate your wonderful videos!

[@chickendad97]

Looking to plant some peppers really soon with my fiancée. Just got our greenhouse up and we're so stoked! We really enjoy watching your videos and Kevin's for inspiration and great ideas and great content. Thanks Jacques.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Love to hear this and I am glad to see you guys are getting a garden going!

[@debbybrady1246]

Zone 10 Texas - my 9 varieties of peppers are producing well already. I use straw mulch. Hadn't thought of compost on top...all of mine are in fabric pots. That might be a great idea. I will try it. My Big Jim is going crazy. That one was a recommendation from you guys.

[@moirad6579]

Wow, your garden looks amazing... pollinator flowers are worth their weight in gold ❤

[@jacquesinthegarden]

They really are, they add so much to the scenery

[@later_daze_4080]

Greenhouse is killer! So jealous of that, along with your San Diego weather!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Its really putting in a lot of passive work for me this spring!

[@zaria5785]

Never thought to use burlap as a wind block. But makes sense to even use it as shade cover to block the extreme heat of sunlight rays.

[@matthewmohri9990]

Hey you might already know this, but you can plant like 10 plants with your other plants like peppers that will naturally repel pests such as Aphids, Spider Mites, etc. Basil and Cilantro are the 2 that I use the most as they are highly useful for cooking. I try to plant cilantro or basil in every pot I use for my pepper plants.

[@gloriaincalifornia1911]

Very helpful! Thanks --this is one of the very best and most informative gardening channels on YT!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JakBangHo]

Protect this man at all costs

[@michaelpieckiel9923]

I love simple solutions! You are a brilliant gardener.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Glad I could help!

[@smile30981]

I always learn something new watching your videos, thank you! I'm one week away from planting my peppers here in Denver, CO and look forward to the "holding hands" (okay, that just makes me smile) and straw/compost combo techniques this season.

[@nesilnokusachaja]

Dear Jaques, do you have a video of a tour of your garden? 🥰✨

[@jacquesinthegarden]

I post one every few months or so, I will almost certainly have one posted for may as well.

[@daliacastello2608]

My peppers are ginormous even if partnering I have to give space to be able to drown stink bugs 🤣

[@kfetter9046]

You put a lot of thought into your garden. No wonder it is so successful and beautiful!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Thank you so much!

[@daliacastello2608]

I’m glad you use compost that’s what I like to use or straw I use straw for melons cukes things that won’t allow that reflecting

[@southernladywithmanyhats7428]

I had aphids on mine INSIDE THE HOUSE this year! NEVER have had this happen! I have fought the things for 2 months now. I mash eggs and then turn around and find more on my plants! :( I took them outside and kept mashing and I have noticed a lot of lizards around so I am thinking they are helping me get rid of them on the outside.

[@SaintVincentTheDogg]

Jacque I would love to see an episode on how you guys clean your produce. Lately I’ve been dealing with so many slugs and snails. I then did further research to find they can carry rat lungworm and can transfer to any type of produce just by crawling over it.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

That is problem for sure, I have tossed a few cabbages that were too far gone and slimy. I can look into it more and see if there is some good information we can pull together. If I recall, cooking should make it safe though (but for sure check!)

[@troxycat]

That burlap wind barrier is genius! I live up near the top of a mountain ridge, and the wind is totally out of control here, my poor plants get so stunted. Grabbing some burlap asap!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

The beauty is that it is a natural material which will break down over time as well!

[@YaelKaner]

I live on a cliff overlooking Jerusalem. My poor plants get so much wind.

[@thetommantom]

In a very dry area under the roof the soil goes hydro phobic I just spray with a spray bottle of pine sol and water in with hose to get soapy suds bubbles

[@carissalizotte8977]

Awesome video as usual Jacques! I need all the help I can get growing peppers here in Maine! 💚

[@khandonkey349]

Growing in Maine as well... Peppers can be tricky for us but we can still get awesome harvests! Good luck and keep on growing!

[@BrickTop06]

Funny when you listen to something like this while checking the garden. I immediately put some 75% broken down DARK compost over my LIGHT straw around my peppers. Just when you think you are doing the right thing by mulching with straw you have this aha moment with the notion of heating up the bed. Thank you!

[@TM-ro7lh]

I’ve found through the years a 3 foot spacing works best. You want the plant to be stressed with wind and sunlight. You get woodier stems, bigger roots and bigger yields.

[@CindDJo]

Jacques, You have a great way of explaining your reason for doing things. It works so well with my need to know "why." Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher.

[@carriecreates1207]

Thank you for this video. It was very helpful and informative. I have 12 pepper plants that I got from the Garden Center. I also have about 15 that I grew from seeds. I am most looking forward to my Anaheim Peppers. I bought 20 pounds last year and home canned them for Green Chile Pork Carnitas. I am happy to see if I can do it myself this year. Your video was great!!

[@grisespino5342]

I’ll be potting peppers in a couple weeks. Thanks for the tips

[@thatsalt1560]

Thank you! I planted my tiny pepper seedlings far too early this year. (On purpose. Circumstances.) Our compost isn't very dark, but I do have some good soil and I'll use that to help my little peppers feel more comfortable.

[@ann7318]

clothes pins will also work to fasten your burlap to the stakes. I need to get my peppers started, and some birdhouse gourds, and pumpkins and few more things, plus weeding.... I need to replant a few things that did not sprout.

[@justineheinrichs2798]

You mentioned powdery mildew. I found a very old remedy years ago that seems to work. I’m always reluctant to mention it because honestly, it sounds a tad crazy. I mix 7-8 cups water with 1 cup of milk. As soon as I notice mildew I drench the affected leaves. 🤷‍♀️ I used it on my cucumber leaves last year. Be honest as to what you think. Thank you for the advice on peppers. I need to refresh my pepper jelly supply so I’m hoping mine do well this year. Love your videos, thank you for sharing your knowledge ♥️🇨🇦

[@jacquesinthegarden]

I have heard for a while now that milk works really well, something about it feels weird haha but If It gets bad I may have to consider it.

[@jcking6785]

I’ve used milk on vining honeysuckle that gets PM and it definitely does work!

[@justineheinrichs2798]

@@jcking6785 I know right? When I first read the instructions for that I thought, no way. But what did I have to lose? You just mix and spray the leaves to drench them and done. Amazing and chemical free 😂

[@domesti-city]

I use milk on my roses and grapes before they leaf out and it helps prevent issues later when spring gets damp. I never thought to use it on my veggies. I wonder if it would work on calendula?.?.?.....

[@meikusje]

This is very common knowledge in Europe, and also used in commercial production of plants sensitive to powdery mildew. Perhaps a piece of knowledge that for some reason didn't survive the journey to the US back in the day? Either way, it definitely works and it's not crazy at all :) although I have to say, most people I know (me included) tend to just take measures to prevent powdery mildew for as long as possible, and then cut off affected leaves when it inevitably shows up at the end of the growing season, and this works fine as well. But that's likely because I'm in zone 7-8 and we don't have growing seasons that last as long as some warmer climates.

[@astrosoup]

I had aphids on starts that weren't in a greenhouse last year. I think it just depends on pest pressure, esp. depending on what's happening at your neighbors' houses with anti-pest vs pro-beneficial factors. We control so little of what influences our yards.

[@lionheartfarmandgardening]

Jaques!! Another great video Sir! And those tropicals and tomatoes growing in the greenhouse look great! You are so knowledgable about so many plants!❤ I cant wait to see how the rest of the gardens will be growing this year! Last years were amazing! If I lived closer, I would come volunteer for you (if you'd have me), I just love gardening. We are having to move, but we dont have a place to move to, not where we can bring our gardens and animals, so I am living vicariously through you in the best way. I have still planyed seeds and doing container gardening so I can hopefulky bring it with me, but I tell you theres no jobs for me up here haha! I have applied to over 150+ jobs and everyone says im overqualified, and a few said I need experience for their particular role. As a fellow botonist and plant person, do you have any ideas? Any advice? Thank you for amother great video! ❤

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Thank you! Hopefully you land somewhere where you can indeed start a garden again! As for the job hunt It is tough out there and being labeled overqualified is tough, sometimes it might be best to remove some experience when applying to some jobs. No guarantee, as I believe we have many applicants, but we are hiring a writer for the blog currently. ats.rippling.com/epic-gardening/jobs/35082dd1-db95-4fa9-99bd-4926b721c965

[@ChrisCo0066]

For good air flow in the greenhouse point a fan outside the greenhouse this should cause a draft effect and draw in fresh air. You can also try closing most windows or doors except the on a section opposite to the fan. To decrease heat point the fan out of the roof vent and open the door this should do the same but with hot air rising it will remove heat.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

All of this definitely makes a lot of sense, I think I need to add a manual vent so I can control the airflow better.

[@Jessie_Nihilist]

Great job! Your garden is amazing 💪🏻 so much hard work

[@lifeisgood9175]

Your garden is gorgeous!

[@mtnjak]

I'm using compost with my peppers as well. However, I just pour a bucket of compost on top of my top soil and then mix it into the soil with my mini cultivator.

[@chrisinzone5]

The wind block idea was awesome! Thanks for that!

[@suburbanrancherMD]

Have you ever tried the reflective space blankets? I may give that a shot and see if it helps.

[@magsj2387]

This was definitely helpful 😁 My peppers are a little behind and need all the help they can get. As always, love your videos Jacque! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with fellow gardeners. Looking forward to the next one.☀️🌱🌻

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Happy to help!

[@scottolson6201]

I'm adding lesya peppers to my pepper bed this year. I'm hoping to make paprika with them. I'm also going to try your compost idea early in the season as it makes good sense to me for soil heat retention. Thanks for another informative video!

[@51rwyatt]

I wonder if there is a way to grow something to dye straw black/dark, that would be interesting for heat-retaining mulch. Basically, grow the dye (some flower, or perhaps something like the dark tannins in persimmon fruits), then soak the straw in it before using the straw on heat-loving veggies.

[@ninavandenabbeele9667]

Interesting idea .

[@ninavandenabbeele9667]

It might be possible from walnut husk

[@jacquesinthegarden]

That could be interesting, especially if it slowly washes away

[@51rwyatt]

@@ninavandenabbeele9667 just have to worry about that juglone in walnut

[@51rwyatt]

@@jacquesinthegarden that's cool, then the mulch would transition from heat retain to heat reflect -- this is Mr. Wizard level science

[@divin-inarizona7125]

❤Thank you for this video. It is very timely for me, my pepper plants are looking very sickly. Now I know why. I’ve learned some new stuff just from this one vid. Thanks ❤❤

[@DoubleQz]

Very useful. I planted peppers today. I have more to plant. I will make sure these hold hands.

[@ericagonzalez1121]

Love this video! I live in Oklahoma, and a lot of my peppers were hit with hail. 😢 I waited a few days and already see new growth. Hoping they stay healthy!!!! 😬

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Dang, I have seen people's gardens get wrecked by hail and I can't imagine how disappointing that would be.

[@emeraldcat7511]

Thanks for another awesome video Jacques! The greenhouse is looking great. We’re starting to head into winter here in Australia, so no more peppers/capsicum for another few months. But excellent info for when it’s time again. 😊

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Hopefully your brassica season is just beginning! Thanks for watching!

[@emeraldcat7511]

Another few more weeks and I reckon it will be! 😊

[@LisadeKramer]

I got powdery mildew on my petunias in the greenhouse. The wind has been blowing like crazy daily so I thought there was enough air flow. It is all a learning curve.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

It's definitely a new beast to tackle and learn about

[@marktoldgardengnome4110]

Interesting. I'm going to go back through my notes and compare how I grew year to year and the results we realized compared to your set up. There has to be some correlation between one year to the next. Some years are a bust, others outstanding. TYFS Jacques

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Last year was a bust for us on the coast as the summer never really showed up. I can't complain as a person who had a supper mild summer, but my peppers, eggplant, and okra did not appreciate it one bit.

[@candicemcmath4521]

Cubanelle peppers are amazing on sandwiches! We make a bacon/cubanelle/tomato sandwich on sourdough and it’s AMAZING. 🎉❤

[@jacquesinthegarden]

That sounds amazing! I can't wait to harvest these guys

[@joannevenere3552]

I just learned that you can plant two of the same varieties together. I can’t seem to get a thick wall in my peppers. Do you have any tips for that? Your plants are much bigger than mine

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Some peppers are just naturally thicker walled than others so that is mostly just due to the variety. As for the plant sizing these were in the greenhouse which made a massive difference in their growth rate.

[@barbarabrown-ld4ei]

OMGOSH- I have Shishito peppers for the first time and yes, Jacque. sautéed with salt and soy sauce they are my new favorite-crave them…

[@MrBulletturtle]

trying shushito peppers here in WA for the first time wish me luck!

[@nancyk8153]

Can we get an update on your passion fruit plant?

[@jacquesinthegarden]

I will include it in the next tour

[@moirad6579]

Definitely interested in the passion fruit update ❤❤❤

[@Learningeveryday27]

First year gardener here , how do you go about in ground digging?? Did you mark out where all you lines are for everything I constantly worry that I’m going to hit a line on some sort.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

At the very first setup you can call the Dig hotline, in CA you dial "811" and they will send out service people for utilities to check where there existing lines are. We had to do it when I found an old buried gas line, luckily it wasn't active or owned by any utility so I was able to just rip it out. After that you just have to remember where you placed everything and occasionally you will just break something!

[@gammayin3245]

Very cool yard - so pretty with all the blooms. I am trying my best to emulate!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Thank you! It's nice to fill voids with flowers when possible

[@killodendron]

Just be careful with container plants, y'all. I kept track of the soil temp in various pots last summer. The soil in the black nursery pots+no mulch, hovered around 120°F! Even after sundown. Those chili roots cooked.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Oof, that is HOT! Good callout for sure.

[@diedrehood9961]

Interesting and enjoyable video 👍🏼💚💚💚🌱 I love growing peppers. Wiri Wiri are my favorite.

[@artstamper316]

Great video. I can see that a wind break would help a lot in keeping warm air in. I do have a question about the compost on top, though. Most of us don't have drip lines, so what should we do when there's a hard rain and it compacts the compost? How can we get it nice and fluffy again so it isn't hydrophobic?

[@suepowlesland8541]

Great video! I also recommend looking into a Vornado fan for your greenhouse. You point them towards a wall and they do a great job of moving air around the room. I love mine😊

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Second suggestion for a vornado! I always figured they would get wrecked in the greenhouse but I might just have to get one.

[@suepowlesland8541]

@@jacquesinthegarden They are a bit of an investment, but well made. I found mine on a certain "jungle" website in their used/returns section for over half off due to damaged packaging. Hope you find something that works well for you 😀

[@sn232]

If there are any seeds at all in that straw, putting compost on top will cause all of those seeds to sprout. I was always told to never til or plow your straw into the soil for that reason. Once bought supposedly seed-free straw and it turned into a nightmare sadly. I do love how rich it makes the soil.

[@juliehorney995]

Hey, did you top off your peppers when the plants were smaller? I purchased an 18" tall pepper from a friend and also wondering if I still should top it off to encourage branching. We're in 6a and planting time for warm veggies has just begun.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

I basically never top them mostly just because I don't bother. IMO for peppers larger than a jalapeno it is not worth it. The lower branches tend to sag leading to large peppers growing on the ground rather than up in the air. For small peppers I think it can be worth topping but I still usually just let them branch on their own since they never get too tall anyway which is why I top zinnias for example.

[@DatKrazyKook]

I have to ask, where can I get the garden hermit’s hat??? I can never find one that lasts and the material ones I have don’t allow for breathable feel straw ones do.

[@SilverSaabArc]

Aji Mojo is a Baccatum, I hope you love it! I grow mostly Baccatums now, they are so easy, and are like determinant tomatoes in the way tgey all ripen at once later in thecseason, which is better for sauce making!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Baccatum and chinense peppers seem to do so much better for me in my climate. They seem to tolerate cooler weather overall leading to harvest even outside of summer. The mad hatter, sugar rush peach, and biquinho pepper always do best for me.

[@zaria5785]

Tell us more about those beautiful poppies please!!! ❤

[@ctviera]

Hi Jacques! I know this is about peppers, which is very helpful in itself (because peppers have not been an easy one for me) but ALSO, how do you get your strawberries (or anything) to do so well in the Greenstalk? I know how to get my garden plants do well (all things considered) but I can't seem to get plants in the Greenstalk to thrive. Thanks for your videos! I enjoy your content and way at it.

[@yesymo9]

Central Florida 10a, my peppers are almost ready to harvest! 😅

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Crazy!

[@anniecash1933]

I’m definitely interested in how the NM Joe Parker Green Chile Pepper does there. As someone who lives in the Chile State and where they were developed in Southern New Mexico, I’ve noticed they have better flavor when they are in desert environments with many days over 100. Which is why when they try to grow them in Colorado, they don’t have the flavor. So it will be interesting to see how they do there. Almost would need to send you some from southern NM to roast and see what or if there’s a difference. (I should note, we are also getting temps around high 80’s to low 90’s already for highs but we are high desert so the lows are typically a 30 degree difference.)

[@baileydubs]

Here in Utah my early girl and pepper plants is only like 6 inches tall 😭 and I started it indoors in March 😂

[@AmandaHayes]

I started peppers in my greenhouse for the first time this year and I got aphids for the first time as well! I was shocked, I don't remember ever finding an aphid-infested plant before. Its fascinating how much insect behavior can tell us about our growing conditions.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

I've never had aphids on my pepper seedlings until I had them in the greenhouse as well. Must be cozy for them in there

[@DatKrazyKook]

Anyone use or know if using organic pine bark mulch is good/okay for a raised bed? Straw isn’t available to me unfortunately. I am worried about the pine bark mulch mixing with the raised bed mix.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Some small amount of mixing should be OK but mixing it into the soil a bunch will probably be challenging.

[@sunshinelady366]

I was feeling sad for the snapdragon. Great choice Jacques.

[@TobyRedMilo]

Have you ever done choas planting with peppers just throwing seeds?

[@sadiaahmedguthrie961]

Wow, your garden looks different.... did you do some decluttering?

[@lgrillo]

It sounds completely logical, but I’d be interested in seeing the actual temperature of soil that is 1) straw covered and with compost versus 2) straw covered only, at say 1-inch, 2-inch and 4 inch depths. It’s the roots that need to be warm, yes? So the temperature of the soil at its surface is less important than the temps below. I’m just curious to know if this method is theoretical or has some scientific data to support it. Thank you!

[@abarenas3018]

Use Boogie Brews Insect Frass to get rid of root knot nematodes.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

I haven't tried insect frass but I actually have some as dried fertilizer which I will try to put down in the next fertilizer cycle.

[@capeeddy]

I don't know why but when you say "seed campaign" I find it very humorous 😂. As always, thanks for the information.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

I honestly laughed when I played it back in the edit. Like was I at war? 😂

[@michaellane203]

That is the largest shovel wow!

[@thedirtygardener]

Another great and informative video. Thanks Jacques!

[@elisabetk2595]

We have the same taste in pepper varieties, almost exactly my list! The Leysa was a winner for my hot, rain-starved climate, usually thick-walled peppers are tricky. Since the burlap is on the west side, doesn't it shade the soil much of the day?

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Its sort of angled North West and I have it set low enough that it only cast a small shadow near the end of the day which is totally fine with me!

[@a.l.a.7847]

Is there a way to prevent the compost from becoming hydrophobic?

[@jacquesinthegarden]

If it's buried in mulch and watered it will eventually overtime fully rehydrate. For example you would surface water the compost even if hydrophobic, cover in mulch, and the water over the mulch. It would happen immediately but over a few days of watering it should rehydrate.

[@katyalupochev9589]

I really needed this! I’ve got some overwintered chilli peppers that set fruit too early(not enough sun) and they are so pitiful. They’re like the size and width of my thumbnail lol. Definitely welcome your advice for this years’ pepper seedlings which are currently being hardened off - I live in 8a/b but it’s been the gloomiest, windiest, wettest spring where I am so I’m behind 😵‍💫

[@jacquesinthegarden]

You can definitely remove the early peppers if they aren't thriving. They are often not worth it and the plant may even grow fast enough to make up for the "loss" after removal.

[@fisherman2359]

You Can overwinter your pepper plants and leave them in the ground? Must be nice lol. Sometimes I wish I lived in a warmer climate where I can have a garden all year around! I’ve bought a grow light so I might be doing some indoor growing this fall and winter. 🥶

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Haha yes it is a pro for sure. The downside is that frost/freeze doesn't come around to kill pests/disease/weeds

[@bethannlawrence4512]

I'm curious as to why you aren't doing the pepper tunnel this year. Do I remember correctly that you did a tunnel last year to accelerate pepper growth?