One topic that has cropped up quite a few times in the last couple of weeks, in conversation and on the Firefoods forum, is what is the best growing media for chilli plants ?
There are loads of different types, from specialist composts to clay balls….peat free, coir etc etc.
Now some people will have their favourites, which have produced good results for them and will stick with that type, and I’m talking about the hobbyist grower now, not the commercial grower, who will have different needs and costs to take into account.
However, for someone who is just starting in the hobby, it can be quite daunting deciding which one is best for them, and they will get different answers from different growers.

In the past I have used loads of different types, and had excellent & poor results,and if you are only growing a few plants, then I would suggest using the best compost you can afford, but when your growing 100+ plants it can work out very expensive to use a high grade compost.
For that reason, this year I am using a cheap Multi Purpose Compost ( MCP ), which I’ve used a lot in the past, and will rely on feeding and Nutrition to get the best from my plants.

This brings us onto another topic for debate……..what is the best thing to feed your plants ???? …. Do an internet search and you will find dozens of specialist feeds created for chilli plants, and some are really good. Again, people will have their own favourites and opinion, and yes…I’ve used some of these specialist feeds and had varying results, but this year along with MPC I will be going back to using good old TOMORITE.

It may lack a few trace ingredients compared to some available chilli feeds, but it’s cheap and goes a long way, and can give excellent results. Some growers advise using it at half strength and others use it full strength, I use it half strength in the early stages of the plant’s growth and then at full strength when the plants are flowering and podding.
Your plants will tell you if they are happy with how they’re being fed, nice green healthy looking leaves means they are getting the right amount of nutrition, however if the plants look weak and the leaves are discoloured, this can mean they are not getting enough nutrition, or too much…which can be just as detrimental to a plants health. Then it’s just a matter of adjusting the strength of your chosen feed until the plants are looking healthy again. A bit of practise is all it takes to get the best from your compost & feed, and chilli plants are not that fussy…..so it’s cheap & cheerful for me this year, and I’ll share the results with you later in the season

Happy growing !!

iggy

As you know, my season started on Halloween night when I made my first sowings…..not a lot has really happened between then and now, except for lovingly caring for, and feeding my young plants. Apart from the fact that I lost a full tray of seedlings over Christmas !!! Other things going on, and I forgot to water them under the lights…. a harsh lesson

The plants that I overwintered, have survived and are growing well.

However, this time of year is when I really start getting a buzz, because its time for the plants to go into the greenhouses !!

So all the Hydro equipment has been fetched out of storage, and set up…

Also set up is a 4-pot Wilma and 3 Quadgrows

And the plants placed in them, I have a heater on hand….just in case of any late frosts !

The remaining plants have been potted into their final pots, and put in the large greenhouse.

Here’s a few pics… I’m not much of a photrographer, but I do my best
I might have to think about starting a bit later for next season, the plants were ready to go out well before the weather was ready….and as a result a lot of the lower leaves fell off, but all new growth is fine

These 4 plants are overwintered

And here’s some more…

Hopefully, I’ll be able to keep on top of things now, and be able to update on a regular basis….including more pics, if there’s anything you would like to ask about my plants or growing methods etc, then please get in touch.

Happy growing !!!

iggy

Well folks….as the title of this says, it’s been a while since I’ve written anything. I won’t bore you with the reasons…suffice to say I haven’t been well.
Anyway, what’s been going on the past couple of months ? Well….I helped my best mate Woody from Firefoods, at both the BBC Good Food Show & Lincolnshire Xmas Market. It was great chatting to fellow chilli heads, and sharing tips and advice.
Also, the first round of plants are growing nicely, all with good root systems. I know I keep repeating myself on the subject of root systems….but it really is vital to the plants future growth. This is more vital when the plant is destined for Hydroponic systems, that’s why I’m never in a rush to pot on into bigger pots.
Anyway…here’s a few pics for now, please excuse the lighting in some of them…but you’ll get the idea.

I will try and post some individual plant pics next time…also, I’ll be back to updating on a regular basis now…..So any questions or ideas you have, please get in touch.
Thanks for reading.
iggy

You may remember a while back, that I wrote an article about overwintering a chilli plant….for that, I used a Purple Bhut Jolokia as an example. Well….I thought you might like to see a picture of the same plant now: Continue reading →