Planting peppers, 16 recommendations to incorporate sustainable and profitable techniques.

One of the most satisfying farming tasks is planting peppers. If we are professional farmers or have decided to create a home or urban garden, planting peppers represents a very versatile and beneficial project on an economic and nutritional level, as it will bring us an attractive profitability due to its high demand in local and international markets, and we will also obtain a source rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants and essential minerals, as we will see later.

Así mismo, si al plantar pimientos nos animamos a adoptar prácticas innovadoras y ecológicas como el acolchado agrícola biodegradable de papel, estaremos contribuyendo considerablemente a la protección de nuestro medio ambiente y a la agricultura sostenible, reduciendo el impacto ambiental en lo que respecta al uso de herbicidas y al consumo excesivo de agua, nuestro líquido más preciado.

Why plant peppers?

Planting peppers represents tradition, profitability and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, this is a smart decision that combines culinary versatility and nutritional benefits, and is a very valuable option for both large producers and small farmers, due to the great diversity of varieties that adapt easily. to different climates and soils.

In this guide we will do a step-by-step route of the entire process that we need to know and implement to successfully plant peppers. We will learn to optimize each phase of our cultivation from the selection of the most appropriate varieties, through the proper preparation of the land, the use of biodegradable paper mulch that facilitates the entire planting process and care of both the soil and our plants. peppers, the necessary irrigation and fertilization practices to maximize the productivity of our planting, and finally, we will know the appropriate times for harvesting.

https://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?pid=S0187-57792022000100129&script=sci_arttext&utm_source=chatgpt.com

LINK: Agronomic behavior when planting peppers (Capsicum annuum L.). This study evaluates the performance of pepper crops in various growing environments.

Preparing the right soil to plant peppers.

This first phase is perhaps the most important of the entire process, because if we create the ideal substrate conditions with the support of biodegradable paper padding, we will obtain a successful harvest both for the optimal development of our crops and for the sustainability of the environment.

If our soil is prone to waterlogging, a good solution is to make drainage ditches to minimize the impact of excessive or accumulating water levels. Likewise, we must analyze the composition of the soil to adjust possible deficiencies and adapt the substrates we need to plant peppers without unforeseen events and successfully until their final phase.

Planting peppers requires proper tillage.

In this preliminary phase and first of all, we must ensure that we eliminate residues from previous crops that could harbor active or latent pests or diseases. Depending on the extent of the soil we have, we must remove it with the help of manual or mechanical tools, either plows, hollowing shovels (to penetrate and break compactions without turning the soil), manual decompaction bar (in areas susceptible to flooding), motocultors or motohoes (in the case of large dimensions), or hoes, rakes and shovels (for medium and small orchards).

We can also make use of conservation tillage, which consists of minimizing the impact on the soil, without tillage, just opening small holes, and planting directly in the soil adding plant residues, and thus we intervene as little as possible in the active composition of the soil.

Ideal soil composition for planting peppers.

Now, in general, it will be ideal to have a soil with good drainage, not susceptible to waterlogging, and we must prepare it with a high content of organic matter that improves its structure and provides essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. To achieve this we can add compost or well-decomposed, dry and loose manure.

The appropriate pH will be between 6.0 and 6.8, since in this range the nutrients will be more accessible to the absorption that our plants require. If the pH is too acidic or alkaline, we must correct it with agricultural lime (to increase the pH level), or sulfur (if we need to reduce it).

https://dialnet.unirioja.es/descarga/articulo/8551305.pdf

LINK: Nutritional Deficiency of Macronutrients in Pepper Plants. This article analyzes the impact of the absence of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on the development of pepper in hydroponic systems.

Agricultural mulch made of biodegradable paper offers us a good hand when planting peppers.

This is an innovative solution that helps us prepare and optimize the soil, whatever its composition. Here are some benefits of using biodegradable mulch:

• Weed control: Paper mulching is very useful to us because it prevents the growth and proliferation of herbs that will compete with our peppers, and thus we will avoid using chemical herbicides, which are not healthy at all for our crops or for our consumption.

• Paper mulch conserves moisture to plant peppers with optimal results:
  Due to its composition, the mulch manages to reduce water evaporation and this allows us for less frequent, efficient and more responsible irrigation, especially for dry climates with water limitations.

• Thermal stability of the crop:
  By using paper mulching, we obtain total control over temperature changes in any season of the year, which means that the roots of the plants will have a protected and comfortable habitat and thus our peppers will develop more uniform and robust.
  
  

• Sustainability and respect for the environment:
  The paper mulch material is biodegradable, it decomposes naturally, it becomes organic matter rich in nutrients for successive plantations, and the most important thing is that we definitively eliminate the generation of plastic waste.
  
  

• Installing the paper mulch for planting peppers:
  We spread the material over the rows where we are going to plant peppers, we make small holes to place the seeds or seedlings, and we make sure that our paper is well fixed on the edges to prevent it from rising in the wind and any insects or insects from entering. pollutant.

To understand what is behind the Novamulch paper agricultural mulch technology we recommend reading the following link:

La Tecnología Novamulch

Recommended sowing and transplanting for planting peppers.

Sowing in protected seedbeds: These structures are designed for the seed germination phase and the first development of seedlings. Here a controlled habitat is achieved, especially to address specific care such as avoiding exposure to foreign and harmful agents, and more easily allowing the initial robust, rapid and uniform growth, prior to the definitive transplant to the soil in which they will fulfill the rest. of your process.

Recommended dates: February to March.

Temperatures: We must maintain temperatures that range between 20/25°C and locate spaces that receive good sunlight.

https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/export/drupaljda/1337160265Cultivo_Pimiento_Invernadero.pdf

LINK: Greenhouse Pepper Production Manual. This manual offers a greenhouse bell pepper production model, aimed at producers and technicians interested in alternative production systems.

Transplanting the peppers to the final soil.

The precise time for transplanting from the protected seedbed to the final soil will be when the seedlings are between 15 and 20 cm high, and at this time they may have 4 to 6 leaves. Between each plant there should be approximately 30 to 50 cm of distance, and between one row and another between 70 and 100 cm. Much better and more beneficial will be to transplant on cloudy days, or during the afternoon, and thus we will prevent our seedlings from being affected by heat stress.

Maintenance of pepper seedlings once transplanted to the final soil.

• This phase will be key, since this is when we are going to guarantee that each plant is correctly established and adapts to the terrain, begins to develop a solid root system, and manages to produce fruits of optimal quality.
• Immediately after the transplant we will water 2 or 3 times a week, to strengthen the contact of the roots with the soil, and we will reduce the frequency of watering as the seedlings become established in the soil.
• Drip irrigation is ideal when planting peppers as it goes directly to the roots and will prevent the foliage from being permanently wet. Here we would be avoiding some diseases.
• During the first weeks we are going to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Let us always remember that excess water will produce root rot or water stress, as will inadequate sun exposure (in this case we must use shading nets), or low temperatures (here we cover with recyclable plastic tunnels or thermal blankets to avoid damage in the foliage due to frost).
• In this first phase, we are going to apply a balanced fertilizer, soluble in water and rich in Phosphorus (P) in order to stimulate root development.
• It must also have Nitrogen (N), as it favors the initial growth of the leaves, but we should not overdo it with the latter because it can produce excessive growth of the foliage in relation to the root system.
• Towards the third or fourth week after transplanting, it is advisable to add Potassium (K), which is essential for fruit development.
  
  
• If the soil has not received initial organic matter (compost or manure), and at this time it needs it, we will apply a thin layer around the seedlings that will serve as a slow-release fertilizer, but this material must be well decomposed and loose. .

Controls that we must take into account when planting peppers.

Weeds: If we use biodegradable paper mulch we will not have this problem, since the mulch material not only reduces its proliferation, but also keeps the temperature and humidity of the soil stable, protecting the roots; This way we will avoid unnecessary expenses with accessories that may be unsustainable and therefore not compatible with the environment.

Appearance of pests such as Aphids, Whiteflies, Cutworms:

The Aphids: They weaken the growth of young plants because they feed on their sap. We can control this pest using potassium soap or introducing ladybugs, which are natural and harmless predators for plants.

The White Fly: It is a very common and harmful small insect that feeds on the sap of plants, especially peppers, piercing their leaves, turning them yellow and causing them to fall prematurely, reducing the natural capacity of the plant to produce photosynthesis, and reducing the fruit production.

• We can combat it by using yellow sticky chromatic traps (to capture adult whiteflies), eliminating and controlling the proliferation of weeds, rotating the crop, that is, not planting peppers in the same soil repeatedly in order to break the cycle of this pest, Avoid (as we already said), the excessive use of Nitrogen because by promoting the growth of tender leaves, it will favor the establishment of whiteflies in our crop.

Cutworms: They are larvae belonging to the moth family, also very common in horticultural crops, including peppers, and during the initial growth phase they are more aggressive. They cut the base of the young stems and therefore the seedlings will fall, and some of these larvae attack the roots, weakening the seedlings, preventing their proper growth and producing fewer fruits of poor quality.

• To avoid this plague of larvae, we must clean and clear our land of previous crops, to eliminate the refuges of the worms.
• We are also going to remove and control the proliferation of weeds (the use of biodegradable paper mulch is essential here), and we are going to rotate our crops to stop the life cycle of these predators.
• An excellent way to avoid this damage is to transplant our already developed peppers, not so young, since the most mature seedlings are not susceptible to harassment by larvae.
• Placing cardboard or plastic collars around young plants is a complementary strategy to prevent worms from reaching the stems.

Using stakes to plant peppers.

During growth, we recommend installing canes or stakes that help keep the stems firm with respect to the weight of the fruits, tying each stem gently and without pressing with flexible materials such as raffia. We must ensure that each stem remains solid but not suffocated by the tie.

Continuous monitoring during the growth of peppers.

• In the initial phase, let’s do light pruning to eliminate the lower leaves and shoots, those that are in direct contact with the ground. This operation will reduce the risk of contracting fungal infections.
• On the other hand, we are going to do a periodic review of our plants, identifying any anomalies such as nutrient deficiencies, which are reflected in yellow and deformed leaves.
• Another abnormal sign is stress; We detect it when the foliage looks wilted and lacks vigor.

All these steps described on the maintenance and control that we must implement to plant peppers, especially in its initial phase, will lay the foundations to obtain expected, successful and profitable results.

At the same time, if we permanently monitor our cultivation and adopt sustainable techniques such as biodegradable paper mulching, we will make a considerable difference in the productivity and performance of our agricultural activity.

Plant Peppers. Final Phase Part 1.

Harvest time.

• This is a crucial moment in which we are going to properly manage the quality of our peppers, their freshness, their flavor, their nutritional value, their shelf life. In general, the estimated time for harvest varies between 60 and 90 days after transplanting.
• And during the production season, peppers can be harvested at regular intervals, every 7 to 10 days, as the plants produce fruit in a staggered manner.

We must take into account several factors such as the variety we have planted and the purpose we have decided for the type of consumption (fresh, for processing, etc.), as well as the climate in which we grow the peppers and the soil conditions that we have. We have worked to develop our planting.

Green Peppers and Ripe Peppers.

• We will harvest the Green Peppers when they reach their full size and have a bright green color, and to the touch we observe that their texture is firm. This is the time when they have not fully ripened, but have a fresher and less sweet flavor.
• On the other hand, if we want to harvest Ripe Peppers, we must keep them on the plants until they take their final color (red, yellow, orange).
  At this point they will be sweeter, and will have a higher content of vitamins and antioxidants, as we will see later.

The Manual Harvest.

• In order not to damage the skin of the peppers and the plants, we must handle the harvest with great care and diligence, because if we handle the extraction of the fruit roughly we will make it more susceptible to infections and therefore its useful life will be much shorter.
• To cut the fruit, we recommend using pruning shears or sharp knives, and let
  a small attached peduncle that allows reproduction.

Plant Peppers. Final Phase Part 2.

Conservation of Peppers.

• Fresh Conservation: Fresh peppers will be most appropriately and safely stored at temperatures between 7°C and 10°C and with a relative humidity of 85%-90%.
• If we achieve optimal conditions, we can keep them fresh for between 2 and 3 weeks.
• We do not recommend extremely cold temperatures. For example, if we keep them in areas below 7°C, spots will appear on the fruits and their texture will be soft.
• Ventilation of the storage space is essential, as we must permanently reduce and control the accumulation of humidity to prevent potential diseases and other deterioration.

• Long-term conservation:If we are going to freeze them, we must first wash them, dry them very well and cut them according to our requirements. In this way, we will preserve its flavor and nutritional value for up to 6 months.
• Chorizo or ñora peppers, among other varieties, can be dried outdoors or in low-temperature ovens, in case we are going to use them in sauces and spices.
• A prolonged conservation of up to 12 months (canning) will require roasting the peppers or placing them in vinegar, packaging them in properly sterilized jars, and storing them in moisture-free and partially illuminated spaces.
• If we want to maintain the freshness of the peppers in the refrigerator, we have the option of storing them in well-sealed vacuum bags (thus reducing exposure to oxygen), and labeled for easy identification.
• In all these cases, we are going to take precautions such as choosing healthy peppers, undamaged and in good condition, so that they do not deteriorate easily and have a longer useful life.
• Another important measure is to maintain adequate humidity to avoid the appearance of fungi (high humidity), or dehydration of the peppers.
• (Low humidity), and it is essential to have a clean storage space free of pests (mites, flies, etc.)

Versatile culinary uses: How peppers add flavor, color and texture to cuisine.

Peppers are an essential ingredient for local and international cuisine. In Spanish gastronomy, they are essential in dishes such as ratatouille, stir-fries, salads, sauces and preserves.

Very appreciated and ancestral is the Morrón pepper, originating from the pre-Columbian civilization (Mayans and Aztecs), arriving in Europe in the 16th century from Mexico, Peru and Bolivia. Favored with the warm, Mediterranean climate, these seeds proliferated and took root in these lands; in Andalusia (Almería, Granada), Murcia, Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha, and is already an indispensable part of traditional cuisine, large in size and intense red in color, meaty and sweet in flavor. It is used in roasts, salads and as a base in numerous stews.

Piquillo peppers, grown in Lodosa (Navarra), are small, triangular in shape, red in color and essential in cod and red meat fillings. Before consumption, it is recommended to roast and peel them to enhance their flavor.

Guernika peppers. Also coming from America, and in the Basque Country they have an elongated shape, green and mild flavor. They are usually fried and consumed as an appetizer or accompaniment.

Choriceros peppers, also native to America, like many varieties of peppers, and in Spain they not only adapted to the temperate and slightly humid climate of La Rioja and the Basque Country, but today they are a fundamental ingredient in local gastronomy, such as sauce and Biscayan-style cod.

In Galicia, the varieties of pepper are very well known.

One of the most famous is the Herbón pepper (Padrón), with a mild and sometimes spicy flavor, the Arnoia pepper, medium in size, with a sweet flavor and thin skin, the O Couto pepper (Ourense), grown in al Ferrolterra region (Coruña), distinguished by its sweet and not at all spicy flavor, the Mougán pepper, from the municipality of Guntín (Lugo), is small and highly appreciated for its mild and sweet flavor. They are all highly appreciated in local gastronomy.

Nutritional properties of Peppers.

Planting peppers provides us with a rich source of essential vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. These exceptional fruits are distinguished by their high content of essential nutrients, some of which we show below:

Vitamin C: A red pepper can contain up to 150% of the recommended daily amount of this vitamin, and up to three times more vitamin than an orange, which is why it strengthens our immune system, promotes the absorption of iron and keeps our skin healthy. .

Antioxidants: Peppers contain compounds such as Beta-carotene (natural compounds responsible for vibrant colors such as red, orange and yellow, which we see in many fruits and vegetables, which when ingested are converted into Vitamin A; this helps us maintain a good vision in low light conditions, prevents the development of night blindness and helps strengthen the immune system.).

Vitamins of group B. B6 and B9: Vitamin B6 promotes the proper functioning of our nervous system and the production of neurotransmitters, while folic acid or Vitamin B9 is essential during pregnancy to prevent defects in the development of the fetus.

• Another essential compound in peppers is Lutein and Zeaxanthin (especially contributors to eye health and delays the appearance of ocular macula).
• Likewise, Capsanthin, contained among the compounds in red peppers, helps prevent the risk of cardiovascular diseases and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• In addition, they contain high fiber content, which favors the digestion process and helps us keep cholesterol at stable levels.

Plant Peppers. A sustainable source of income and high value in local and international markets.

• Thanks to its versatility, high demand and added value in the markets, planting peppers represents a very profitable, sustainable option that is projected to be successful in the long term, if we carefully study the cultivation, production, harvest and storage processes, and the economic return. What it reports to us is significant, whether for farmers with large areas of land, such as those who decide to plant peppers in medium or small portions of land.
• In the Mediterranean diet, peppers are an essential ingredient for salads, stews, tapas, preserves, sauces, frozen products, and both the Padrón pepper and the Piquillo de Lodosa already occupy a solid place and of superior quality in local markets. .
• On the other hand, in international markets, peppers produced in Spain are highly appreciated in countries such as Germany, France and the United Kingdom, making it one of the main exporters.
• In this way, if we choose to plant peppers and manage to develop this production properly to bring it to a successful conclusion, we will have the advantage of diversifying our income in such a way that we will obtain profitability in fresh markets and at the same time we will benefit in the processed industry such as canned goods. and frozen products for export, taking advantage of the fact that Spanish peppers have easy entry and are highly appreciated in international markets.
• In local and international markets, peppers represent an excellent source of income, as they are in high demand, and in Spain they have a fairly considerable export level.

Reasons why planting peppers is highly profitable.

One of the advantages we obtain when planting peppers is that their production period is long. As they have the ability to produce fruit for several months, this allows us to make several collections, as long as we maintain adequate crop conditions.

Continuous production:

• The perennial nature of the pepper, in warm climates or grown in a greenhouse, allows the plants to continue flowering and producing fruit even after the first harvest.
• In many cases, a well-managed crop can offer between 4 and 6 harvests in a season, depending on the variety and growing techniques used.

Performance Maximization:

• The possibility of harvesting multiple times means that we will be able to obtain a greater volume of production from the same initial investment in seeds, fertilization and land preparation.
• This significantly increases profitability per hectare, especially in high-value varieties such as red pepper or gourmet varieties such as piquillo or ñora.

Flexibility in the market:

• By offering staggered harvests, we will take advantage of fluctuations in market prices.
• For example, by harvesting at different times, we will adjust supply to sell during periods of higher demand, such as during the holidays or specific seasons in international markets.

Less waste:

• The ability to harvest in phases will allow us to harvest the fruits at their optimal point of maturity, and thus reduce the risk of losses due to over-ripening.
• In this way, we manage to improve the quality of the final product and contribute to progressive and continuous sustainability.

Adaptability to various climates and regions:

• In regions with mild winters or where greenhouse technology is used, the extension of the harvest can extend even beyond the traditional season. This results in almost continuous production in areas such as southern Spain, where peppers are a leading year-round export crop.

Planting peppers offers us multiple and prolonged harvests over time:

• Planting peppers offers us multiple and prolonged harvests over time:
• At the same time, this characteristic offers us a great competitive advantage if we seek to optimize our performance in an increasingly demanding agricultural market.
• This is the case of the ñora and the piquillo pepper, which are varieties with high value in gourmet markets.
• In such a way that, by properly managing these aspects, we will make the difference between a standard crop and a highly profitable one.

International demand:

Countries such as Germany, France and the United Kingdom are large consumers of Spanish peppers, which guarantees a constant outlet to the market.

Planting peppers is not just a routine agricultural activity. It is a symbol of wealth, prosperity and collaboration with our environment.
Being a highly versatile crop, today it represents an investment in health, economy and sustainability, due to its nutritional richness and culinary versatility, and the profitability it brings us.

From its initial phases to harvest and storage, our care and the taking of preventive and sustainable measures are necessary to reach a successful conclusion, such as the use of biodegradable paper padding.

Let’s get to work and many successes!