Pepper plants need outside temperatures to be a steady 70 degrees or warmer to flourish. When ambient temps hit this mark, move seedlings outside. Plant them about 24 inches apart in an area that receives plenty of sun. This provides ample space to grow but puts them close enough to help shade each other in the hottest sun. Choose planting spots with nutrient-rich, well-drained soil.
3. Mulch around plants
Mulching around garden plants is a beneficial step that many people often overlook. A thick layer of mulch over the soil surface will help to keep weeds down, retain soil moisture and keep the soil cooler over the roots. You can use commercial bark chips, pine needles, grass clippings or even straw as suitable mulch.
4. Provide adequate water
Pepper plants will need one to two inches of water per week for maximum growth, notes Bonnie Plants. This amount may need to be increased slightly when the weather is extremely hot and dry. Water at the base of the plant to avoid saturating the foliage.
5. Apply fertilizer to promote growth
For optimum plant growth, bell peppers will need to be fed to replenish nutrients lost from the soil. Wait until the plants blossom before fertilizing them to encourage fruit production; fertilizer applications prior to this will promote vegetative growth instead of blossom formation.
6. Treat pests accordingly
Insect pests can cause a significant amount of damage once they infest a vegetable crop. Keep a close eye on bell peppers to spot infestations quickly. Early treatment can help minimize damage and resulting yield loss. Common pests in bell peppers include blister beetles, aphids, cutworms, mites, pepper weevils and thrips. Staff at a garden center can help identify pests and recommend appropriate treatment options.
7. Harvest fruit when ready
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