Get a sweet summer harvest with bell peppers

Bell peppers are a reliable way to add some flavor to a dish. They can be enjoyed raw as a snack or in a salad, or cooked in a stir-fry, pizza, or countless other dishes.

Not only are they tasty, but bell peppers also have a number of health benefits. The University of Illinois Extension says they are a good source of vitamins A and C as well as antioxidants.

Bell peppers are relatively free of problems, and can easily be grown in the home garden. You'll also have the option of choosing when to harvest, since the time on the vine will affect the peppers' taste.

STARTING SEEDS

Bell peppers are particular about temperature and can easily be damaged by frost. For this reason, many gardeners opt to get a head start by growing them indoors before transplanting them outside.

The Old Farmer's Almanac recommends starting seeds indoors, eight to 10 weeks before the last anticipated frost date. Keep them in a warm area during this process, and transplant them outside when the risk of frost is over. These seedlings should be kept 18 to 24 inches apart.

The soil temperature should be at least 65 degrees before transplanting. Covering the soil with black plastic before planting will help heat it up. The gardening company Bonnie Plants recommends well-drained soil with a pH of 6.2 to 7, although peppers can tolerate slightly more alkaline conditions.

Bell peppers can also be grown in containers. These pots should be capable of holding at least five gallons.

When transplanting or starting seeds in the garden, look for a sunny spot. A wire cage or other support can also be helpful, since the plant can be more vulnerable to damage once heavy fruit begins to appear.

The seed company Burpee says bell peppers should not be grown outside until nighttime temperatures average 55 degrees or higher. The Clemson University Cooperative Extension says most pepper varieties will be ready for harvesting within 85 days of transplanting or 120 days of sowing.

CARE

Mix a layer of compost or other organic matter into the soil when sowing or transplanting.