Had no computer over the weekend so planted hot peppers and more tomatoes on Saturday. Also did some winter sowing and put them in greenhouse under shade cloth. If this is wrong please tell me. Now I've got to go buy some boots so I can play in the mud. Pepper plants started Jan. 1 ( photo / image / picture from Donna S's Garden ) Tomato plants started Jan. 1 ( photo / image / picture from Donna S's Garden )
"Doing good?" Doing great! Those plants look really healthy and happy. You'll be up-potting soon. I think the shade cloth is a good idea--perhaps you could move the plants out for a half-day when you up-pot--rather like hardening them off a bit.
Donna, those look great. As for the shade cloth, was there a percentage of shade listed on the package? such as 10% shade or some such number? ideally you don't want more than 30% shade. Otherwise the plants may quite growing. If they need more light but protected some, throw a white sheet over the greenhouse glass/plastic to shield them from the intense sunlight. What kind of peppers are those? they have such wide leaves.
It's still way too frosty here to even contemplate sowing either tomatoes or peppers. I'm hoping this spring will be much better than last year so that I can get them planted in the next few weeks. If they look half as good as yours do then I'll be a very happy bunny.
Carolyn, The only thing I'm shading right now is winter sown seeds in greenhouse. Everything I've read about winter sowing says no direct sun so I'm keeping them lightly shaded. The peppers are Ca. wonder, Big Bertha and keystone select. Eileen, Going down to 25* tonight, but I just can't help myself. I just keep planting
Donna, we have planted both California Wonder and Keystone Select. Great peppers--prolific, disease resistant, and very good tasting, both fresh and roasted. We've never tried Big Bertha. Please let us know how you like their production, taste, and disease resistance. Fellow gardeners here on the Stew are a great resource for getting the "low-down" on new varieties!
