How To Grow Buckets Full Of Bell Peppers + Health Benefits & Recipes (2024)

How To Grow Buckets Full Of Bell Peppers + Health Benefits & Recipes (1)

There is nothing more beautiful than a basket full of homegrown bell peppers. I have been growing bell peppers in my garden for the last twenty years and have never been disappointed.

There are many reasons to love bell peppers besides their beauty. For starters, they are really easy to grow, they are loaded with nutritional value and they taste amazing raw and cooked. If you are a first-time gardener, peppers are a great place to start.

Bell peppers, also known as sweet peppers can be red, yellow, orange, green or even lavender and white. Bell peppers are the only members of the genus Capisicum that does not produce capsaicin, the extremely hot chemical that we are familiar with in hot peppers.

Peppers are native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.

To grow this tender tropical warm-season plant you can either start seeds early indoors or purchase plants after the risk of frost has passed.

Only those that live in very warm climates such as the deep south can start seeds outdoors.

Starting Seeds Indoors

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Starting seeds indoors will save you money and give you a headstart on the growing season. This is particularly useful if you live in an area with a short growing season. Seeds should be started about 8-10 weeks before the last spring frost date.

  • Fill small starter pots with organic potting soil. I like the little biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into the ground.
  • Place three seeds in each pot and cover with a light layer of soil.
  • Place in a warm area with plenty of light – pepper seeds will germinate at 70 degrees and warmer.
  • Keep the soil moist but not saturated.
  • Once the seedlings begin to grow, thin out the weakest one and let the other two grow.
  • Fourteen days before transplanting, begin to harden off your plants. To do this water the plants first and place them outdoors in a sheltered spot. If you have a cold frame or unheated greenhouse this works great. Be sure to harden off on days when the temperature is steady. Leave your plants outside for two hours on the first day, four hours on the second day with more direct sun. Gradually increase the amount of time the plants spend outdoors in direct sunlight. Do this over two weeks time. You can leave the plants outside all night only if there is no danger of frost.
  • Add organic fertilizer or aged compost to your garden soil one week before transplanting pepper plants.
  • Transplant the seedlings outdoors after all threat of frost has passed. The soil must be at least 65 degrees or the plants will not make it. If you need to warm up your soil, put a layer of black plastic over it for about two weeks before planting. Place plants 18 to 24 inches apart but keep the plants that shared a pot close so they will touch.
  • Place three matchsticks in the hole with each plant and add one teaspoon of organic fertilizer. This will give the plants sulfur which helps them grow.
  • Once peppers get their true leaves, fertilize weekly until fruit appears.
  • Water peppers regularly but do not saturate.

Starting Pepper Plants

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If you start with more mature pepper plants, place them 18 inches apart in garden soil that is rich with organic matter.

Peppers also grow well in raised beds and containers. Add slow-release organic fertilizer to the hole when planting. To grow large, healthy peppers, plants need between 6 and 8 hours of sunlight daily.

Water plants immediately and provide 1 to 2 inches of water per week – more if the weather is hotter. Feed plants every three weeks after fruit sets with an organic fertilizer to promote growth.

Apply mulch or straw around each plant to help retain moisture. Provide support to pepper plants as they grow.

Harvesting

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  • Harvest peppers as soon as they reach a good size.
  • As peppers stay on the vine they become sweeter and also contain more vitamin C.
  • Don’t pull peppers off of the vine, instead use sharp and clean scissors or a sharp and clean knife to remove fruit from the plant.

Storing Peppers

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Place peppers in a plastic bag and refrigerate for up to ten days after harvesting.

You can also dry peppers in a conventional oven. First, wash peppers and remove all seeds. Cut them into one-half-inch strips. Steam the strips for ten minutes and spread on a baking sheet. Set the oven to 140 degrees and dry peppers until they are brittle. Once peppers are cool, place them in storage bags.

Freezing peppers is also a great way to store your harvest. I like to freeze them and use in soups and stews all winter. Wash peppers first and cut off stems. Cut peppers in half and remove seeds and membranes. Cut into strips or even dice and place on a cookie sheet. Put the cookie sheet in the freezer for about an hour or until frozen. Place the frozen peppers in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.

9 Tips For Bigger & Tastier Peppers

  • Always choose high-quality pepper seeds and plants.
  • Never plant seedlings in cool and moist soil. Peppers like the heat.
  • Fertilize with compost tea or fish emulsion for robust plants.
  • Use a drip irrigation system for a regular supply of water.
  • Pinch off some of the early flowers.
  • Pinch off all suckers.
  • Weed around pepper plants regularly.
  • For larger fruit, spray the plants with a mixture of one tablespoon Epsom salts in one gallon of water once when the plants bloom and once every ten days after.
  • To keep new seedlings warm, place a cage around them and wrap plastic around the cage. This creates a mini greenhouse.

Health Benefits Of Bell Peppers

Although we often think of peppers as vegetables, they are actually a fruit. The nutritional value of peppers depends on which color you choose. A red bell pepper, for example, contains over eight times the amount of vitamin A than a green bell pepper.

All bell peppers contain a large number of antioxidants. One pepper contains twice the daily recommended amount of vitamin C and plenty of vitamin B6.

Other vitamins and nutrients in bell peppers include:

  • Vitamin B1
  • Vitamin B2
  • Vitamin B3
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin K
  • Manganese
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorus
  • Potassium
  • Molybdenum
  • Fiber

Carotenoids: Red bell peppers get their beautiful hue from a special antioxidant known as lycopene. This carotenoid helps fight free radicals from toxins. Research has shown that lycopene can help prevent certain types of cancer including prostate, lung, and stomach. Carotenoids found in yellow and orange peppers help protect against cardiovascular disease.

Fact: A 2008 study found that steaming bell peppers improved their “bile acid binding capacity.” This results in fewer recirculated bile acids, better use of cholesterol and lower absorption of fat which reduces the risk of heart disease.

Peppers are a great source of potassium: All bell peppers are a great source of potassium. Potassium is an essential balancing mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and muscle function.

Bell peppers also contain fiber which helps regulate cholesterol and aids in digestion as well as folate which is essential for red blood cell functioning.

Bell Pepper Recipes

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Bell peppers are great on their own for a nutritious snack but also go well in many delicious dishes. Here are three easy ways to benefit from the goodness of homegrown bell peppers.

Stuffed Bison Peppers

If you are looking for a healthy meal for guests, this one is it. It tastes as good as it looks and is loaded with nutrition and health-promoting ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium bell peppers halved
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil
  • 1 cup onion chopped
  • 8 ounces ground bison
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup black beans
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup brown rice cooked
  • 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • Chopped scallions & fresh cilantro

Method:

  1. Coat a 9×13 baking pan with coconut oil.
  2. Place the peppers, cut side up, in the dish.
  3. Heat coconut oil on the stove and cook onion until soft.
  4. Add the bison and spices.
  5. Add beans, salsa, and rice.
  6. Fill each pepper with the mixture.
  7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Uncover, top with cheese and bake until cheese melts.
  9. Top with scallions and cilantro.

Bell Pepper & Avocado Medley

This salad is great paired with organic roast chicken or even on its own for a light lunch or snack.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 large bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh minced parsley or cilantro
  • Juice of one lemon
  • Salt and pepper

Method:

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and enjoy.

Sweet Pepper Breakfast Smoothie

I love to drink this in the morning for a burst of energy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium banana, peeled fresh or frozen
  • 1 can(8 ounces) pineapple, drained
  • 1?2 cup red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 2 cups frozen mixed berries
  • 1 cup filtered water

Method:

Add all ingredients to a blender and mix well. Serve immediately.

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FAQs

How many pepper plants are in a 5 gallon bucket? ›

It is advisable to plant only one bell pepper in a 5-gallon bucket, but if you have a bigger bucket you can plant as much as two or three. You shouldn't grow more than one bell pepper in a 5-gallon bucket because of the bucket's diameter.

What are the health benefits of eating bell peppers everyday? ›

Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants. Eating them may provide several health benefits including decreased inflammation, reduced disease risk, improved immune health and improved eye health. And feel free to enjoy them on a regular basis unless you notice uncomfortable digestive symptoms.

How do you make pepper plants healthy? ›

Pepper plants need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Mix compost or other organic matter into the soil when planting. Water immediately after planting, then regularly throughout the season. Aim for a total of 1-2 inches per week (more when it's hotter).

How many pepper plants per 10 gallon bucket? ›

How many Pepper Plants per Container? We usually plant one pepper plant in each 5 gallon pot, but if you have larger pots you can plant 2-3 peppers depending on the size of the container. It also depends on the variety, some peppers are smaller in size than others.

What is the best container for peppers? ›

To get a good yield, a 5-gallon container is perfect. At minimum, choose a container 12 inches in diameter and 10 inches deep. Peppers grow well in raised beds but space them at least 12-18 inches apart to give each plant enough room for airflow and mature spread.

What size bucket to grow peppers in? ›

Peppers need room for their roots to spread, so choose a pot at least 12 inches in diameter. A young pepper plant may initially appear small in such a large vessel, but it will fill out the container when it's full size.

Which color bell pepper is the healthiest? ›

You've seen bell peppers -- green, orange, yellow, and red -- in the grocery store or in a salad bar. Red peppers pack the most nutrition, because they've been on the vine longest.

Is bell pepper healthier than tomato? ›

“Red capsicum has almost 50 per cent more calories than tomato because of its natural sweetness. Although it has more sugar, it also has 50 per cent more fibre, over eight times the vitamin C and beta carotene and over 15 times the vitamin E. Winner: It's a tie!

Are bell peppers healthier, raw or cooked? ›

Bell Peppers.

Bell peppers, whether raw or cooked, are packed with vitamin C and various antioxidants. Eating them raw provides maximum vitamin C content, but cooking bell peppers can increase the availability of other nutrients.

What does baking soda do for pepper plants? ›

When applied to plant leaves and stems, baking soda does slow or stop the growth of fungi. However, the benefits are fleeting at best. Studies have shown that while baking soda impacts the growth of fungal spores, the spores and actively growing fungi are not killed.

Should I put Epsom salt on my pepper plants? ›

Please note that Epsom salt can be used with any plant, except for varieties sage. Consult your local gardener for more information about best practices. Epsom salt can be especially beneficial to vegetable gardens with tomatoes and peppers.

Can you grow peppers in 5 gallon buckets? ›

Planting peppers in 5 gallon buckets

1) Drill some holes in the bottom and lower part of the sides for drainage. A ¼” drill bit works well. 4) Plant your pepper! Set the soil level of the pepper slightly below the soil level of the bucket.

Do bell peppers grow well in containers? ›

Peppers need room for their roots to spread, so choose a pot at least 12 inches in diameter. A young pepper plant may initially appear small in such a large vessel, but it will fill out the container when it's full size. Purchase a pot with holes in the bottom, or drill your own to ensure adequate drainage.

How many bell peppers in a 5 gallon grow bag? ›

I put 1 pepper plant to each 5 gallons of soil. I have 10 gallon bags and put 2 in each and it worked out well last year. I would put 3 per bag in your case.

How deep should a container be for bell peppers? ›

For the best harvests and healthy plants, we like to plant pepper plants in deep beds, we recommend 18-24" of soil depth. Small peppers (less than one foot high) can grow well in two-gallon containers, but bigger plants need at least five-gallon pots, and all peppers thrive best with more room.

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