Pieces of peppers were found in 2000 year old Peruvian ruins. Columbus discovered peppers growing in gardens in the Carribean area. He brought the pepper back to Europe where it became very popular. Fifty years later, peppers were growing in England.

Peppers are a warm season vegetable. They come in many different colors–yellow, red, green, brown and purple. They must be planted when both the soil and air temperatures have warmed in the spring. They will be injured or die if exposed to frost.

Be sure to check the frost free date in your area.

Plant pepper transplants 18 to 24 inches apart in a row. Rows should be 14 to 18 inches apart.

Use a starter fertilizer. Add additional fertilizer/side dressing after the first new peppers arrive. Be sure to water during dry spells.

Bell peppers should be picked when they are firm and 3 to 4 inches long. Do not pull the peppers off the plant. Pulling can hurt the plant. They need to be cut off the plant.