EXPLORING THE WORLD OF PEPPERS

Give your garden some pep with this versatile, delicious veg.

Ever thought about adding a little spice to your garden? Growing peppers is not only rewarding but also a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie just starting out, peppers are a fantastic and delicious addition to your garden. Let’s dive into the colorful, fiery world of pepper cultivation.

Why Grow Peppers?

First things first, why should you grow peppers? Besides their vibrant colors and tantalizing flavors, peppers are incredibly versatile. You can use them in fresh salads, salsas, stir-fries, or dry them for spices. Plus, they come in a wide range of heat levels, from mild bell pepper to the tongue-scorching Carolina Reaper. There’s a pepper for everyone.

Fan Favorites

Sweet Green Bell Pepper: Meet the Mild Marvel

Bonnie Plants® Sweet Green Bell Peppers are gentle giants of the pepper world. With their glossy green skin and crisp, juicy flesh, these peppers are the perfect addition to any dish that needs a little crunch without the heat. Whether you're tossing them in a salad, stuffing them with your favorite filling, or simply snacking on them raw, Green Bell Peppers are versatile and delicious. Rich in vitamins A and C, they're a healthy choice — plus, they’re super easy to grow making them a fantastic starting point for new gardeners.

Red Bell Pepper: Introducing the Sweeter Side of Green

Bonnie Plants® Red Bell Peppers are the sweeter, more mature version of the green bell pepper, and they bring a vibrant splash of red to your garden and plate. Their flavor is sweeter and more complex, thanks to the longer ripening period on the vine. Perfect for roasting, grilling, or adding to salads and stir-fries, Red Bell Peppers are a culinary delight that elevates any dish. They’re also a powerhouse of nutrition, loaded with vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that support overall health.

Jalapeño Hot Pepper: Say Hello to the Fiery Favorite

Bonnie Plants® Jalapeno Hot Peppers are the spicy stars of the pepper patch. With their distinct heat and vibrant green color, these peppers pack a punch that livens up any dish. Perfect for salsas, poppers, and adding a kick to your favorite recipes, Jalapeños are beloved by spice enthusiasts everywhere. They offer a moderate heat level that’s just right for those who enjoy a bit of fire without overwhelming the taste buds. Plus, they’re packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making them as nutritious as they are flavorful.

Getting Started

Choose Your Peppers: Start by selecting the types of peppers you want to grow. Remember, different peppers have different heat levels, so pick according to your tastebuds. Check out a breakdown of the hot pepper heat scale.
Seed or Seedling? You can start peppers from seeds or buy young plants from a nursery — our friends at Bonnie Plants offer a wide range of varieties that you can have delivered.
The Perfect Spot: Peppers need plenty of sunlight — at least 6-8 hours a day. Find a sunny spot in your garden or use containers with drainage holes if you’re short on space.

Planting and Care

Planting: Once the danger of frost has passed and your pepper plants are strong enough, it’s time to get them in the garden. Space them about 18-24 inches apart to give them room to grow.
Soil: Peppers love well-draining soil, so use Miracle-Gro® Organic Raised Bed & Garden Soil if you're planting them in-ground or in a raised garden bed, and Miracle-Gro® Potting Mix if you're planting in containers.
Watering: Give them a good soak right after you plant them and then keep the soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged) throughout the season. Spreading Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Natural Mulch will help keep the moisture in.
Feeding: Planting in great soil is a good start, but you'll also want to feed your pepper plants throughout the season with Miracle-Gro® Shake N Feed Tomato, Fruits & Vegetables Plant Food.
Support: Some pepper varieties, especially the taller ones, might need a little support. Use stakes or cages to keep them upright and prevent branches from breaking under the weight of the fruit.

Harvest Time

The best part of growing peppers? Harvest time! Depending on the variety, peppers are typically ready to be picked when they reach their full size and desired color. By picking peppers when ripe, it encourages the plant to produce more. Gently twist or cut the peppers from the plants to avoid damaging the branches, and wear gloves to protect your hands when you’re dealing with the hot ones.

You Grew Them, Now Enjoy Them

Eat Them

We couldn’t let you leave without sharing some of our oh-so-satisfying pepper recipes. Whether you’re cooking for one or hosting a dinner party, these delicious, easy-to-make bites won’t disappoint.

Mom’s Stuffed Peppers: A hearty and earthy meal that brings bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, rice and melty cheese together. Drool-worthy? We think so, too.
Fried Pepper Rings: This yummy twist on French fries can be enjoyed alongside a burger, topped on steak, or added to salad for crunchy goodness.
Jalapeno Poppers: A sure hit at any gathering, this finger food is a perfect blend of spicy, savory, and salty. All the best food qualities if you ask us.

Can Them

By canning your homegrown peppers, you can enjoy the taste of summer all year long. Just about any type of pepper can be canned, including green bell peppers, jalapeños, and other hot peppers. You can add them to salads, sandwiches and wraps for a burst of flavor, use them in relishes and sauces, or incorporate them into soups, stews, and casseroles.

Pickle Them

Pickled peppers are a versatile and tangy addition to any pantry — it’s also a budget-friendly way to enjoy a gourmet ingredient! By pickling your own peppers, you get to tailor the flavor to your liking. Do you prefer a sweet, spicy or herbaceous brine? The choice is yours to make.

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning all about the world of peppers. Now it’s time to activate those gardening vibes and dig in.