Fertilizing peppers in open ground: timing and what to feed them with

To ensure a good pepper harvest, plants need to be fed at all stages of the growing season. Fertilizers include mineral and organic fertilizers applied either through the roots or foliar application. Additional nutrients stimulate pepper plant growth, improve the flavor of the fruit, increase its yield, and prolong the fruiting period. Timely fertilization ensures healthy growth and increased disease resistance.

Soil preparation

The planting site for the seedlings is selected in advance, taking into account crop rotation requirements. A plot where tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and other nightshade vegetables were not grown last season is suitable. Legumes, melons, cabbage, onions, or carrots make good predecessors for sweet peppers.

To ensure pepper seedlings successfully establish themselves after planting in their permanent location and begin growing vigorously, the soil in the garden bed is prepared in advance. In the spring, the soil is thoroughly loosened to allow air to enter. This improves root aeration and stimulates rapid growth. The additional air also stimulates the growth of symbiotic microorganisms, which provide the pepper plants with essential micronutrients.

After laying out the bed, prepare holes for the peppers. Add a nutrient mixture to each hole. The following options are possible:

• 300 g of peat, 10 g each of superphosphate and potassium sulfate;
• 40 g superphosphate and 15 g calcium nitrate;
• 500 g of rotted cow dung, 200 g of wood ash and 40 g of superphosphate.

For ease of application, dilute the components in 10 liters of hot water and pour into prepared holes. One liter of fertilizer is sufficient per plant. Fertilize 2-3 days before the planned planting date.

Timing of fertilization for peppers in open ground

The frequency of fertilizing is determined by the nutrient composition of the soil. The more fertile the soil, the less additional nutrition it requires. Plant fertilizing requirements also depend on the stage of development, varietal characteristics, environmental factors, and other factors.

The most common soil type found in temperate regions is podzolic soil. Its fertility is very low. Therefore, in these conditions, peppers require fertilizing throughout the growing season:

1. The first feeding of peppers after planting is carried out at the stage of formation of the third true leaf with fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus.
2. During the second stage, organic fertilizer is added when two more pairs of new leaves have formed. This is done 12 days after the first feeding. If the plants were transplanted, organic fertilizer is added only 1-1.5 weeks later.
3. At the third stage, organic fertilizers are used in combination with minerals. These are applied 4-7 days before transplanting to a permanent location.
4. The fourth stage of pepper feeding is carried out 10-14 days after planting in open ground. This time is necessary for the peppers to successfully adapt to their new location. Fertilizers containing nitrogen and magnesium are used.
5. At the fifth stage, potassium and nitrogen are added. These nutrients are used to nourish the peppers during their mass flowering period.
6. The sixth stage of feeding is carried out at the beginning of fruit formation, using fertilizers containing potassium and calcium.

After this point, the plants don't need additional feeding, as any substances added during this period can impair the flavor of the fruit. Feeding peppers during flowering and fruiting is permitted only when absolutely necessary—in the event of pest attacks, infection, or growth retardation.

How to determine what plants lack

Peppers grow well and develop properly if the soil is balanced and contains all the necessary nutrients. A deficiency or excess of these elements affects the health of pepper plants. The need for additional fertilizing is determined by the plant's appearance.

A pale, yellowish tint to the foliage indicates a nitrogen deficiency. A small number of flowers on a pepper plant also indicates this problem. To remedy this, water the plants with a cow manure infusion. A urea solution can be used as a mineral fertilizer.

A calcium deficiency causes yellowish-gray spots to form on the leaf blades. The leaves curl into tubes. To improve the condition of the newly planted plants, stop applying fertilizers high in nitrogen and potassium compounds.

If the foliage turns yellow, wilts, and falls off, the soil is experiencing increased calcium levels. This is also indicated by the small size of ripening bell pepper pods, as in the photo. To solve this problem, apply nitrogen fertilizers, such as a urea solution, to the soil.

Dark foliage with a bluish or reddish tint indicates insufficient phosphorus in the soil. To restore the mineral balance, the soil is enriched with superphosphate.

Root feeding

To feed the peppers After planting in the ground, vegetable growers use commercially produced mineral fertilizers or organic matter. The first application of fertilizer should be 10-15 days after planting in the permanent location. Then, 2-3 more basic applications of fertilizer are needed during the growing season. At different stages of development, plant needs for additional nutrients vary. Therefore, fertilizers are varied.

Organic fertilizers

Many vegetable growers switch to organic fertilizers or folk remedies when growing peppers in their gardens. These home remedies are readily available, don't require additional costs, and are highly effective. Sometimes, organic matter is used as a base for creating a comprehensive fertilizer by adding mineral supplements.

Mullein

Cow dung Mullein is often used as a valuable fertilizer when growing many vegetable crops. It is applied early in plant development to stimulate pepper growth and increase leaf mass. It is mixed with water at a ratio of 1:10 and used to irrigate the soil beneath pepper plants.

Wood ash

Wood combustion products are an excellent organic fertilizer. Wood ash enriches the soil with phosphorus and potassium, eliminating excess acidity. It is first applied when planting, adding a small amount to each hole. A second application of wood ash to peppers is done during the flowering and fruiting stages. To do this, prepare an infusion of 10 liters of hot water and 1 cup of organic matter and water the plants with it.

Food leftovers

In addition to traditional organic fertilizers, vegetable growers often use kitchen waste:

1. Banana peels make a good fertilizer due to their high potassium content. Dried peels are ground into a powder and added to the holes when transplanting seedlings. A water infusion is used for watering mature plants. To prepare the nutrient solution, pour the peels from three bananas into three liters of water and leave them in a sealed container for three days.
2. Eggshells contain a high concentration of calcium. To prepare the fertilizer, grind the shells of three raw eggs into powder and add 1.5 liters of hot water. Let the mixture sit for 72 hours. Then use it to water the roots of the bushes.
3. Bread fertilizer is used during the fruit set stage and to boost plant immunity. To prepare the solution, soak 1 kg of rye bread or bread crusts in a bucket of hot water for 5 hours. Then strain the liquid and water the plants.

Iodine with milk

Feeding plants with dairy products combined with iodine stimulates growth, increases fruit production and improves their flavor, and enhances resistance to infections. To water the plants, prepare a solution of 9 liters of water, 1 liter of milk or whey, and 10 ml of iodine.

Nettle infusion

In addition to nettles, any weeds growing in the garden are suitable for preparing this fertilizer: dandelion, plantain, and chickweed. Finely chop the plants and fill a barrel two-thirds full. Fill the remaining space with hot water. Close the container and leave it in the sun for a week to ferment. During this time, stir the plant mixture several times. Then strain the liquid and dilute it with an equal amount of clean water. Water the pepper plants with this solution every 10 days.

Yeast

Yeast contains a high amount of nitrogen, minerals, phosphorus, and vitamins. Therefore, feeding with it is beneficial at all stages of the growing season, but especially during active growth. It stimulates the development of the root system and the above-ground part of the plant. Yeast concentrate is prepared from 200 g of raw yeast and 1 liter of warm water. The mixture is left for 24 hours. Then, it is diluted with clean water at a ratio of 1:5.

Mineral fertilizers

Many vegetable growers use ready-made mineral fertilizers to feed pepper plants at different stages of the growing season. These products are convenient because their formulation is tailored to the needs of the vegetable crop and already contains the necessary elements in the correct dosage. All the gardener has to do is dilute the fertilizer with water and water the plants.

After the flowers bloom, use Bio-Master. It stimulates fruit set. When the first fruits appear, use Agricola-Vegeta to increase their quantity and improve their flavor. Nitroammophoska is also used as a fertilizer at this time. Dilute the products according to the instructions on the packaging.

https://youtu.be/rfNqYQKZsmc

Complex fertilizers contain essential phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen, as well as other micronutrients, for plants. However, if necessary, such formulations can be made independently:

1. During the active root and leaf growth stage, peppers are fertilized with urea and phosphorus fertilizers. To do this, prepare a solution of 10 liters of water, 10 g of urea, and 5 g of superphosphate. Apply 1 liter of the solution to the roots of each plant.
2. The next time pepper plants are watered with nutrients is during flowering. The solution is prepared from 10 liters of water, 1 tablespoon of potassium nitrate, 1 tablespoon of superphosphate, and 2 tablespoons of urea.
3. During the fruiting stage, peppers are fertilized with potassium and phosphorus fertilizers, avoiding nitrogen fertilizers. A solution is prepared from 10 liters of water, 1 tablespoon of potassium salt, and the same amount of superphosphate.

When applying mineral fertilizers, focus on the soil condition. If the soil is fertile, 2-3 applications are sufficient. If the nutrient content is low, the number of applications should be increased to 4-5.

Foliar feeding of peppers in open ground

For emergency plant fertilization, foliar sprays with nutrient solutions are used. From the leaf surface, beneficial elements quickly penetrate plant tissue and are easily absorbed. The positive effect of foliar feeding is noticeable within 24 hours.

Spraying the above-ground portion of bushes is done to prevent diseases or replenish nutrient deficiencies. The following solutions are prepared for foliar feeding:

• to replenish the lack of nitrogen, the bushes are sprayed with a solution of 10 liters of water and 1 tablespoon of urea;
• The lack of phosphorus is compensated by treating the bushes with a solution of 5 liters of water and 1 teaspoon of superphosphate;
• To stop leaf fall, spray with a solution of 10 liters of water and 1 teaspoon of boric acid.

Spray foliage in the morning or evening when there is no wind. When spraying during the day, the solution dries quickly, preventing the nutrients from being absorbed into the plant tissue. Furthermore, the risk of sunburn on the leaves increases during this time. For young plants recently transplanted to permanent beds, the concentration of nutrients in the solution is reduced.

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Reviews

Alena, Lipetsk

I often use ready-made fertilizers to fertilize peppers. They're convenient because you don't have to calculate the concentration yourself or figure out what to combine them with. All the nutrients are already selected in the perfect combination. To achieve good results, simply follow the instructions precisely.

Anastasia, Nizhny Novgorod Region

I'm not a fan of chemicals. Therefore, I prefer to fertilize peppers with folk remedies. Regular mullein always produces good results. Bread and herbal infusions are also used. Lately, I've also been using a fertilizer made from banana peels and eggshells. The harvest is delicious and environmentally friendly.

Fertilizing is a must when growing bell peppers. Without it, it's difficult to grow a good harvest. When applying nutrients, follow a predetermined schedule, maintaining the correct dosage.