Here's my first EB attempt, with a 6-pack of red pepper transplants. They started out all about the same size, and have been in the EB for about 3 weeks now. Is this kind of growth disparity normal, did I do something wrong, or is it maybe a question of where the EB is?
Thanks so much for any advice you can provide!
From farther back...
Uh, I'm a year-old newbie, who grew fantastic, first-time ever, tomatoes in my EBs this past spring. Learned all I know from the DGers, and that's a LOT! With that said, yep -- I'd be wondering about those two on the left, too.
I grew Bonnie Bell green bell peppers this past spring (actually, they didn't make it to an EB, just a 5-gallon bucket), cause I was bummed out by all our Houston monsoon rains. But, my bucket is in a little more sun than your EB. Those shadows are bothering me a teeny bit. I know the box is very heavy right now, but you might try moving it into more sunshine for a week and see what happens. Couldn't hurt.
Also, ask about whatever fertilizer you used in your EB, too. That could be a clue.
Hope these suggestions help.
Thanks, Gymgirl. I should've mentioned, this pic was taken about 7:00 a.m., and the box is in full sun from about 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. or so. I just try not to be in full sun during those times! :) Also, our temps are still pretty warm (70s at night, upper 90s in the day), so my experience has been plants don't mind a little extra protection, and I know peppers won't set fruit at all if they get too hot.
This is my first EB, so I'm using the fertilizer that came in the kit. I was doing this with help from my 4- and 2-year old garden assistants, so it's possible the fertilizer was a little irregular; are the EBs fussy about things like that?
Hi Jill --- If you did not spread the fertilizer down the center evenly, and it looks like you gave more to the right end, then you will have slower growth. Peppers love the heat so do put them out in full sun and keep them watered. Placing of fertilizer is most important! Next time do it yourself by placing a two inch line down the center distributing evenly. You can add a cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer on the weaker side by carefully lifting the cover or slitting the center of the cover and then taping it closed. I do it all the time if necessary especially when I plant corn in rows. Not to worry!!!!
Thanks, Tplant, I'll go check it out. And I saw your comment on the other thread (thank you, Gymgirl, for the referral!) about the sun. I don't THINK that's my problem, but I'll try moving the EB to a different location on the theory of it can't hurt.
I was checking things out yesterday, and I did see two teeny tiny little peppers down there--hooray!
I think your problem is twofold:
1) They must have full sun
2) Uneven spread of fertilizer
Correct this and you will have real healthy plants! Peppers love heat. Let them get all the sun they can while they can!
Hi Jill --- How are your peppers doing? Did you move them?
Tplant, I am SO sorry I didn't give you the follow-up! Yes, I moved my box and things are starting to look better already. (Although there are still pretty big differences in sizes between them all.) I've been amazed at how much my light is changing this fall--one tree in particular has grown a lot over the summer and what used to be full sun this time of year now isn't. I also took a quick look this morning, and THERE'S PEPPERS ON THEM THAR PLANTS! Even one of the little ones! I'm so excited, this is the first time I've ever had a pepper set fruit.
I did check on the fertilizer strip, and from what I can tell, it does look reasonably consistent over the length of the box. So I'm thinking it's the light issue. I"m going to keep an eye on how much light my box is getting, and be more vigilant about moving it if necessary.
Thanks for all your help!
Just as well you have a difference in size as the peppers will provide you with a constant crop instead of a big batch all at once. They have grown quite a bit since the last photo. By the way, most all peppers will turn red if you leave them on the vine long enough but you can eat them at any color as long as they are big enough.
That's good to know, Tplant! I'm hoping we can hold out until they turn, but if we get cold early (or just plain impatient!), all will not be lost.
I was actually thinking the same thing about the staggered sizes, glad to hear you confirming my thoughts!
yEP,
I'd say those peppers are "greening up!" Looking good.
