How to get Peppers to produce more?

[ImaChickenGirl]

Every year when I plant my Peppers I likely get 5 peppers at the most from each plant! They aren't ever that big, like often the size of a golf ball.

I don't have the best soil it has some clay in it but a lot of manure from our cows! The soil is quite rich. They do get full sun, where they are planted there is no trees or tall grass, so do you think they are getting to much sun? What do I do about it? I water them everyday but not to much otherwise they will get root rot. The are really small like about 9 inches at the tallest!

Does anyone know what I can do to get them to produce more?

 

[thebanthams]

go to www.theeasygarden.com they will give you better answers there! . I have the same problems, but I think its depends on certian kinds of peppers. they take like forever to grow ! good luck. by the way my user name on the easy garden is desertlady.

 

[cstronks]

There could be a few things wrong with these plants, but I feel like I know the problem here. First things first, clay is a no go for peppers...they never do well in clay soil. Pepper plants have weak roots that do not break soil well. If they are not planted in a rich loamy soil, then you will have problems. Regarding the size and number of peppers...it could be the variety. A great way to boost production is to pinch off the buds until the plant reaches 10-12 inches. I know this will be difficult, but pepper plants will effectively stop growing upright once they start fruiting because they are putting all of the energy into the fruit. This really should help. My green bell and California wonder bell plants starting flowering at like 6 inches...SO considering the fruit is supposed to grow 5 inches, I pinched them all off!! This will allow the plants to grow and be better prepared to produce more healthy fruits. Good luck!

 

[Czech's_chicks]

I have started feeding them epsom salt by diluting it in water and spraying the leaves. Works great on peppers, toms, strawberries.

 

[flgardengirl]

They like the miracle grow tomato fertilizer plus some epsom salt. If you have clay soil I would do some foliar feeding as well as the regular soil fertilizing.

 

[thebanthams]

I have started feeding them epsom salt by diluting it in water and spraying the leaves. Works great on peppers, toms, strawberries.

will epsom salt burn the leaves? Can I just pour it in ground? Im new to epsom salt.

 

[Czech's_chicks]

I use a standard spray bottle and put a coupe tablespoons in then shake to dissolve. It does not burn. I have never seen strawberries respond so positively to anything before. It's almost like they actually stand up when I feed them with this.

 

[thedollysmama]

Calcium helps.