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Starting out slow

I just got started last month. I know I am kinda late in the season. My wife had the green thumb and I got the grunt work down pat. ;)  We have a few plants going right now that we might see a small harvest. Jalapeno, habanero and cayenne.
So since this is the grow tech I would like some opinions on things I need to be picking up over the winter to be ready for next year.
I wanna do pots only. So what size smart pots?
I have been looking for diy materials. I was actually able to be given some bread crates. I could see these in a greenhouse or using them to set pots on to get them off the ground.
Just interested to hear what y'all would recommend to a rookie.
Thanks for your time.
 
Over the winter is when you distribute your seeds to others and collect the seeds you want for next season's grow. Start taking notes on interesting prolific peppers that you would like to try. Plan your grow (how many of what types, sweet to superhot, how many you have space for, etc.) and start your seeds indoors a few months prior to frost ending. Keep in mind that annuums will grow faster than chinense, so start the chinense and baccatums earliest, followed by annuums several weeks later. Planning your indoor grow starting operation is key. Use the search function here to gather ideas for cheap grow lights.

I focus on getting supplies for my outdoor grow when it is time to plant outdoors (after frost ends) because I don't have room for storing a bunch of stuff and I don't see any major discounts happening during the winter that would warrant such purchases. I do, however, obsess relentlessly over what seeds I will be starting indoors on January 1st. 5 gallon buckets with 1/2" holes drilled in their bottoms and lower sides work well and will last a few years in short growing climates (like here in Pennsylvania). Egg cartons start seeds well, then you can transfer to solo cups that have holes cut in their bottoms. The solo cups should hold the plants until it is time for planting outside in buckets. When that time comes, purchase well draining soil (with lots of perlite or vermiculite in it), some good compost or manure, and some untreated mulch for on top of your containers. You could also purchase some bamboo stakes for support if you want.

Good luck with this year's grow (you will be surprised how many pods your habs will pump out) and good luck with your winter planning for next season.
 
I guess I should have mentioned the we already have a small indoor greenhouse thing for starters. I also think we have one small grow light. 
I have been looking at the small greenhouse at harbor freight. If funds become available.
I have about 5 different kinds of jalapeno seeds and chocolate habanero seeds from deseeded
pods. So far.
 
Tinben said:
I guess I should have mentioned the we already have a small indoor greenhouse thing for starters. I also think we have one small grow light. 
I have been looking at the small greenhouse at harbor freight. If funds become available.
I have about 5 different kinds of jalapeno seeds and chocolate habanero seeds from deseeded
pods. So far.
Sounds like you are good to go. Keep researching and collecting your seeds...
A great way to gather lots of different seeds is to purchase a mixed small flat rate box of pods here in the forum ads. You get to eat the pods and the seeds are basically free.
 
Stop looking at EBay for chile seeds.....there are many chile seed puirveyors who will sell you what tyhey advertise and give decent customer service. Look in the vendor vault here.
 
 
 
 
 
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