[CH] Chili planting
Dave Sacerdote (davesas@ntplx.net)
Tue, 13 Apr 1999 00:24:24 -0400 (EDT)
>> ... I believe that the closer spacing gave bigger stronger plants...
>
>Tony,
>
>I think you may be right about the space.
Renee,
Based on my own experience, I agree that putting the plants "too close
together" is better for them.
My garden is small and so I put my plants closer together than the seed
packets recommend. Last year, in one corner of the garden I grew three
cherry pepper plants and three red savina plants virtually on top of each
other - about a foot or so between each plant. Meanwhile, a short bit away
I grew six habanero plants with the "proper" amount of space.
The cherry peppers did very well, but the red savinas went crazy! My plants
were easily three feet tall and as big around, and LOADED with fruit; I
harvested baskets full of peppers from both varieties. The habbies, though,
didn't fare as well and the plants not only failed to grow as vigorously as
the others but the fruits were sparser and fewer, too.
I know it's only anecdotal evidence, but I'll be growing all of my peppers
this year the same way - in clusters - because apparently they like to have
close company.
(BTW, this works for tomatoes as well. I have always had heavier yields and
more vigorous tomato plants when they were planted 14 to 16 inches apart
rather than the wider spacing recommended by the seed companies.)
===
Dave Sacerdote
davesas@ntplx.net
Resist or Serve.
"I am so mighty, I do not have to kill you all." -- Flaming Carrot
Visit Dave's New England Almanac at http://www.ntplx.net/~davesas/