How and when to properly care for peppers: timing and methods of processing

Hilling peppers is an important agricultural technique, despite controversy regarding its effectiveness. Some believe that adding soil to the trunks can lead to their rot, which in turn can lead to the rapid death of young and mature pepper plants. However, it has long been noted that this procedure increases yields and strengthens the bushes' defenses. Whether hilling peppers is necessary and how best to accomplish this task without harming the plants are questions that require resolution.

The benefits and potential harm of hilling

It simplifies pepper plant care, helps improve growth, and increases yield. The plant is sensitive to temperature and soil moisture, and its root system is located close to the soil surface. Even slight root exposure can lead to stunted growth and death of the plant. Benefits of hilling:

• the soil retains moisture longer;
• Improves access of roots to oxygen and fertilizers;
• promotes the development of beneficial microorganisms that protect plants from diseases;
• protects the root system from sudden cold snaps;
• provides stems with resistance to gusty winds.

Peppers thrive in greenhouses, where ideal conditions are created: loose, moisture-retentive, permeable, and nutritious soil, maintaining an optimal microclimate. Plants are protected from rain, wind, and cold, so avoiding hilling is the best solution in a greenhouse. However, soil drainage can also be achieved by simply loosening the soil. Peppers can also be grown outdoors without hilling, as the lower part of the stems doesn't require covering. Here are a few arguments against hilling:

— «

1. The root collar of the plant (the division between the root and stem tissues) should not be buried too deeply when planting seedlings or hilling young bushes, as this can lead to suppression or complete cessation of pepper growth, root rot, or the development of diseases.
2. Delicate surface roots are easily damaged by hilling, especially when planting bushes densely or in narrow row spacings. Mechanical damage negatively impacts growth and can become a breeding ground for infection.
3. Loosening and turning up the top layer of soil can encourage dormant weed seeds to germinate. If peppers are covered with soil containing weed sprouts, they will quickly spread and cover the entire bed.

It's important to remember that retaining moisture in the soil isn't always beneficial. During prolonged rainy weather, water will stagnate in the beds, leading to root and stem rot and disease. However, choosing the right tools and timing for hilling, as well as following the rules, will help avoid problems.

Terms and rules for hilling

Peppers should be hilled only when adventitious roots are forming on the green stem. The purpose of hilling is to strengthen the plant and provide it with optimal conditions for development. However, it's important to keep in mind that peppers are perennials, and as the bush grows, the lower part of the trunk becomes woody, making the roots unsuitable for germination. Therefore, adding soil under the pepper bush can lead to deepening of the root collar, leading to various negative consequences.

The first 10–15 days after transplanting pepper seedlings to their permanent location is when the plant adapts and strengthens its roots. During this period, the soil around the plant should not be raised to avoid disrupting the adaptation and root strengthening process.

The technology of hilling when growing peppers is as follows:

1. Two weeks after planting, as soon as the bushes begin to grow, they are watered and left for 12–48 hours.
2. The soil between the rows is carefully loosened, and sprouts and roots of weeds are removed.
3. Using a hoe, a hoe or a hoe with a long handle, rake the soil towards the stems, forming a neat mound up to 4 cm high.
4. Move the soil away from the root passage a little, opening it up.
5. The beds are covered with a layer of straw, sawdust, peat, compost or dry grass.

One proper hilling is usually sufficient to promote additional root development and improve plant growth. This procedure is repeated at specific times, if necessary. When peppers begin to bloom, the bed height should be 8 to 10 cm; during fruiting, the surrounding area should be about 14 to 16 cm. During the fruiting season, the soil around the stems is raised to an additional 6 to 8 cm. Throughout the season, the soil is loosened to varying depths:

• 10–12 cm during flowering;
• up to 15 cm when ovaries are formed;
• 20–25 cm during the fruiting period.

If the row spacing is small (up to 40–70 cm), soil loosening is stopped after flowering begins, as damage to pepper roots can cause bud drop. In a greenhouse, loosening is combined with ventilation. When using heavy soil, hilling and loosening are carried out slightly deeper to ensure optimal ventilation and soil warming. If cultivating equipment (tractors, cultivators) is used, loosening is stopped when the plants reach a certain height.

How to properly care for plants after hilling

After entering the fruiting phase, plants become very sensitive to moisture stress. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely, as this will kill the surface roots. Therefore, mulch between rows and mounds is essential. For watering, use a watering can with a shower attachment, moistening only the soil, avoiding wetting the leaves and stems or disturbing the soil. Apply 4-5 liters of water per square meter of plantings.

Liquid nutrient mixtures are applied in the same way. Peppers respond well to foliar feeding using complex mixtures and organic infusions. The amount and frequency of feeding should be monitored, as overfertilization can impair plant development. For example, excess nitrogen promotes vigorous foliar growth due to fruit formation. Tall bushes should be tied to stakes, ensuring each plant receives sufficient light. Peppers need to be well-ventilated, so remove excess stems and side shoots when planting closely.

The need for hilling peppers has been resolved. Young plants growing in open ground require this procedure. Proper hilling promotes the development of a strong and robust root system, which supplies the peppers with nutrients and moisture. By monitoring moisture levels, loosening the spaces between rows, and regularly fertilizing, the plants will reward you with a bountiful harvest of large, tasty, and juicy peppers.