Imagine how handy it would be if you could grow hot or sweet peppers on your balcony. Fortunately, there is no need for substantial preparation. Peppers should be on your planting list if your gardening plans involve growing a few vegetables in pots or containers. Peppers can grow more successfully in containers and pots than in a garden if the right variety is chosen and cared for properly. Peppers grown in containers benefit from warmer roots than those found deep down. Here's a complete guide on how to grow peppers in containers on your balcony.

Planting

Fill the starter tray or containers with soil. Plant seedlings about an inch deeper than they were in their original container if you're using transplants. Around the plant, thoroughly pack the soil, and then give it plenty of water. At this stage, using liquid fertilizer or manure is advantageous.

Watering

Peppers require watering since their roots grow shallowly. Depending on the kind of soil and rainfall your balcony receives, water the pepper plants once or twice each week. Peppers require about one inch of water every week. When peppers are flowering and producing fruit, they require extra water.

Provide Enough Light

Place the seed starter tray or container in a semi-shaded area on the balcony until the seeds have sprouted. Place the seeds on your balcony, where they will receive direct sunlight for a week to two weeks after they have germinated, to boost their hardiness.

Transporting

Prepare your seedlings to be transplanted into another, larger pot approximately 3–4 weeks after germination, or when the plants have about six true leaves. Since this crop is so susceptible to frost, avoid transplanting seedlings during really cold seasons. Typically, once your seedlings germinate, you can transplant them. The weather in your location determines the precise time frame for this.

Supporting the Pepper Plants

Pepper varieties that have a spreading growth require no staking, while upright jalapenos benefit from being tied to a sturdy stake. For larger plants, wire cages or grow-through plant hoops work great. When they bear fruit, container-grown peppers can be moved to a location protected from the wind and intense sunlight in addition to being staked.

Additional Care

To maintain the health of your pepper plant and ensure a better yield, it’s important to take additional steps. First, you’ll want to weed and mulch when the plants are small. You’ll also want to keep pests away from your plant. Pests such as braconid wasps, beetles, and green lacewings are natural enemies to pepper plants. You can use slow-release nitrogen to keep them away but do so sparingly. A strong stream of water can also be sprayed to keep pests temporarily away from plants.

Harvesting

Peppers are harvested by removing the fruit from the plant while leaving the stem attached. Avoid removing entire branches from the plant. Peppers are plucked as they grow for a higher yield. After transplanting, the first peppers should be ready in approximately eight weeks.

After some of your pepper plants have been harvested, dry and store some of the seeds inside for your future planting. The good news is that this productive vegetable can live for a few years, bringing you a consistent stream of produce. Get an assortment of vegetable seeds today to add some color to your balcony!