How to Plant Green Pepper Plants

Overview

Green peppers are warm-season vegetables with a tropical origin. These tender plants are damaged by cold temperatures. Ideal growing temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Green pepper plants grow slowly and require a long, warm growing season. This popular vegetable works well in salads, sandwiches, stuffing, soups, stews, relishes and salsas, and it contains several vitamins and minerals.

Step 1

Remove the grass, weeds and debris from the planting area. Locate your site in full sun exposure that lasts all day. Green pepper plants require lots of sunlight to produce well-developed fruit.

Step 2

Loosen the soil with a shovel to the depth of 12 inches. Break up clumps of soil with the side of a garden hoe.

Step 3

Spread a 2 to 3 inch layer of sand over the soil. This improves the drainage of the soil. Work the sand into the soil to the depth of 12 inches. Rake the area smooth and level.

Step 4

Dig a hole twice as wide as the pepper plant's root ball and 2 inches deeper with a hand trowel. Sprinkle 1 tbsp. of 5-10-10 or 8-16-16 fertilizer into the bottom of the hole. Place 1 inch of soil on top of the fertilizer so the roots are not in direct contact with the fertilizer.

Step 5

Remove the green pepper plant from its container. Place the plant in the hole and fill with soil. Gently firm the soil around the plant.

Step 6

Plant the rest of your green pepper plants 18 to 24 inches apart. Sprinkle the area with water until the soil is wet to the depth of 6 inches.