TROUBLESHOOTER

Q Why are the fruit tips turning black?

A Blossom end rot can cause a black patch on the end of peppers, just as it does on tomatoes. It’s a sign of calcium deficiency, often as a consequence of irregular watering and tends to be most problematic early in the season. Keep compost consistently moist, especially when the first fruit is setting. Cut off the black bits and you can still eat the fruit!

Q What’s the best way to control greenhouse aphids?

A Aphids are the pest you’re most likely to encounter on peppers. Check plants daily to spot problems early on. Squash the pests gently or, for bigger infestations, release a biological control such as the parasitic wasp aphidius in the greenhouse.

Q Do I need to prune chilli plants?

A A well-grown plant, with plenty of light, should form a good branching structure.

If it looks a bit lanky, prune out the tip just above a leaf to encourage sideshoots further down the stem. Similarly, if sweet peppers don’t form their natural strong Y shape, pinch out the tip at 30cm (12in). In limited space some growers train and prune the two Y shoots up string supports, but an untrained plant will fruit just as well. Towards the end of the season, help late fruit ripen by removing new flowers and pinching out stem tips to help the plant funnel its energy into ripening before the frosts.

Q How should I store my crop?

A Try preserving in oil, drying overnight in a low oven or pop whole chillies into a bag in the freezer. To make them easier to chop, defrost briefly in warm water.