Spice up your life - grow your own Chillies

Growing your own chilies in the garden is a simple and rewarding process, adding both flavour and spice to your summer recipes. They need a long season to grow, so start by planting chilli seeds indoors around 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost in your area. Sow your chilli seeds into small pots that you can leave by a sunny window and secure a clear plastic bag over the top with string or an elastic band. Keep them in the warm, sunny spot and water them regularly. Remember that as they grow, they will need to be moved into larger pots to accommodate their growth.

Once the seedlings have developed leaves and the outdoor temperatures have stabilised, choose a sunny spot in your garden and prepare the soil with compost or well-rotted manure. Chillies like to grow in moist & fertile soil. Just make sure that if you do use manure, it’s not too fresh, as this will affect the amount of fruit from the plant. Transplant them into your chosen spot, providing ample space for each plant, around 30 – 40cm between each is a good rule of thumb.

Caring for your chilli plants is essential to ensure their growth and productivity throughout. For optimal growth and a bountiful harvest, it is crucial to provide your chilli plants with the proper care and attention they require. Ensure that they receive ample sunlight, and maintain a consistent watering schedule, taking care not to overwater them, as this may lead to root rot. Regular watering is crucial, especially during periods of dry weather as this maintains adequate moisture levels in the soil. Don't forget to provide support for taller varieties, such as stakes or cages, to help the plants stay upright as they grow. Lastly, monitor your plants for pests and diseases and take appropriate measures, such as organic pest control or proper pruning, to maintain the health and vigour of your chilli pepper garden.

Your chillies will be ready for harvest around mid-summer if you have grown them indoors. If they have been grown outdoors, then this will more likely be around August. You should pick chillies off the plant whilst they are still green in colour, as doing this will encourage new flowers to grow and keep the yield of the crop consistent. However if you like your chilies really hot, then it’s better to leave them on the plant to mature a little longer, to give them a little extra kick. With proper care and healthy soil, your chilies will flourish and enhance your array of summer fruits and vegetables.