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How to Grow Jalapenos

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If you want to try growing jalapenos in your garden, this guide on how to grow jalapenos will help you with every step from planting to harvest.

How to grow jalapenos

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Whether you are a fan of homemade salsa or just love to add a little spice to your food, jalapenos are the way to go. Growing your own jalapenos is quite easy, you just need to keep a few growing tips in mind. If you are considering growing a salsa garden, or just want to add jalapenos to your garden line up, consider these tips on how to grow jalapenos!

How to Grow Jalapenos

How to Start Jalapenos from Seed:

Starting jalapenos from seed is an option for those who are in an area with a short growing season. You can plant jalapenos from seed in indoor peat pots using nutrient-rich soil and the aid of a sun lamp. Start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost of the season.

When to Plant Jalapenos Seedlings:

Once your seeds have matured to seedlings, or if you choose to plant from nursery-bought seedlings, you will want to make sure your outdoor conditions are prime for planting. Do not plant until after the last frost has passed and temperatures are at a constant 70 degrees or higher. Jalapenos are sensitive to cold and will not thrive if you plant too early.

How to Plant Jalapeno Seedlings:

Plant your jalapeno seedlings at least 4-6 inches apart, using nutrient-rich soil that is loose and not compacted. You want to place your jalapeno seedlings in a full sun space, where they will get at least 6 hours of full sun per day. Japalenos can be planted in rows, and pair well with most other garden plants.

How to Grow Jalapenos in Containers:

If you are limited on space, planting jalapenos in containers is always an option. Use an amply sized flower pot at least 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep per plant. While most plants don’t need support, you should keep an eye on the plant to see if a stake may be needed. Otherwise, care of your jalapeno plant in a container will be the same as if you were growing in the ground.

Jalapeno Plant Care Tips:

There are a few things you need to keep in mind when growing jalapenos. They do not do well in extreme heat. If you experience several days of 90+ degree weather you want to be sure you provide ample waterings. Jalapeno plants should always be watered at the base of the plant and you should always try to avoid getting water on the fruit of the plants. This can cause rotting to occur.

Continue to provide nourishment for your plants by giving them a good two inches of water per week. You can water more if the weather has been extremely dry and arid.

Some of the pests you might experience with jalapeno plants include aphids and beetles. Remove these pests by hand and then follow up with a chemical-free pest solution such as a mixture of dish soap and water sprayed on the plant.

Foliage yellowing may be a sign of overwatering, while wilting and browning may be a sign of dryness. Remove any foliage that is showing signs of disease so that it does not spread to the rest of the plant and the plant doesn’t waste nutrients fighting it off.

Jalapeno plants will thrive if offered liquid food. Feed them a dose (according to package directions) when you plant and offer again in 4 weeks. Liquid plant food is always a good choice.

picking jalapenos

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When to Pick Jalapenos:

Depending on the variety of jalapeno you plant, size will be a big indicator of when the fruit is ready to be picked. In most cases, the jalapeno will be about the size of your thumb but can get slightly larger. The color should be a deep green with a shiny coat. Always take care when harvesting jalapenos since the oil in the fruit can burn skin and eyes. Use caution when picking jalapenos and always wash your hands well after.

Once you harvest the jalapenos, you can dry and even freeze your jalapenos for later use. They are excellent to use in salsa, salad dressings, marinades, and even in jelly recipes. Try these tips for growing jalapenos and see how they can help you produce a successful crop.

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About Alea Milham

Alea Milham is the owner of Premeditated Leftovers and the author of Prep-Ahead Meals from Scatch. She shares her tips for saving money and time while reducing waste in her home. Her favorite hobby, gardening, is a frugal source of organic produce for her recipes. She believes it is possible to live fully and eat well while spending less.

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Welcome. I'm Alea!

On Premeditated Leftovers I share simple recipes made with whole foods, practical shopping tips, time saving techniques, and meal planning strategies. I also share tips for minimizing food waste, so more of the food that is purchased ends up on the table.

While volunteering as a budget counselor, I realized that food is the element of most people’s budgets where they have the greatest control. I set out to develop low-cost recipes from scratch to prove it’s possible to create delicious meals on a limited budget. Eating well while spending less is about more than just creating recipes using inexpensive ingredients; it’s about creatively combining ingredients so you don’t feel deprived and are inspired to stick to your budget.