Re: [CH] Windowsill peppers and what to do with them
Punto (punto@inch.com)
Sat, 28 May 2011 12:07:42 -0400
Thanks Bob. I'm heading out now to get soil and larger containers. I'll
see what I can rig up to go underneath. I am worried about over
watering, but I guess it isn't too much of a problem if the drainage is
good. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Peter
On 5/28/2011 11:53 AM, Robert Opersteny wrote:
> They are probably looking for more root space right now, and also tend
> to dry-out rather quickly, even wilt, when sun and wind are stressing them.
> It is generally recommended that you increase pot size whenever there
> are roots showing at bottom drainage holes, but, if you want faster
> fruit, then only re-pot up to 2" taller and wider than previous pot.
> This because plants root, then shoot-up and start production of fruit
> when they have filled the root-space.
> Jalapenos that are flowering now in 2" pots will appear to stop growing
> for a week or so, that will start to add leaves and flower again.
> You are limited with the windowbox, so you may want to add a 2 "+ high
> tray that will fit under the biggest size pots you can get in the box.
> The tray will hold overflow water and nutrients longer so they will not
> wilt as much between waterings, and can also serve as a "hydroponic"
> reservoir to allow more stable roots outside the pot when fully grown.
> You can get almost twice the size plants with a reservoir, but when
> water stands for more than a few days, make sure there is adequate
> drainage at bottom of pot, using lava rock, ceramic pellets, or small
> pot shards. You can add an bubbler for extra oxygen at the roots, or
> even an automatic waterer to go more hydroponic; just make sure the
> water does not go stagnant, and is easy to maintain.
> To increase useable light, use white or light-colored reflective
> materials around the sides of the windowbox.
> You may find you can grow excellent peppers, even in a NYC high-rise!
> Good Luck!
>
> Bob Opersteny
>
> -------------
> Is there a good source that specifically answers my questions or do any
> of you growers out there have some guidance on this. I'm sure that the
> $8 I have invested so far (plus whatever else on new pots, soil, food)
> could have bought a whole lot of really fine peppers when they show up
> at my greenmarket later this year, but here I am and I don't want to
> watch these guys dwindle away without giving it my best.
>
> Oh yeah, I am in NYC and the windowsill that they are on gets several
> hours of sun at this point but is not in full sun the entire day.
>
> Regards,
>
> Peter H.
>