When reading articles about growing peppers, I always see a range of "optimal pH levels" to keep the soil at, otherwise the peppers will supposedly turn bitter, change flavor, not grow as well, or something. Is there any truth to the taste/bittering bit? My understanding is that a pH of 5.5-7.0 is optimal for growing peppers, which I'm sure is a good range. But does it really effect taste, or is it purely for growing a healthy plant overall (not effecting quality of fruit)? I understand that the pH can most definitely affect the quality and health of the plant, as different pH levels allow the plant's roots to soak up different nutrients from the soil.
Last year, if I remember right my soil was around 7.0 and I honestly couldn't taste anything different (bitterness or otherwise) compared to various store-bought habaneros I bought. This year the majority of my plants will be in a different garden, which IIRC had a pH of around 6.5 last year and was used for sunflowers. However, I'm waiting for the rain to stop so I can prepare it, and I'll be mixing some Miracle Gro (I know, I know...) garden soil in which will likely alter it a bit. I read somewhere, in fact I think it was a post somewhere on this forum, that no special pH will make up for loads of organic matter in the soil. So is pH really that important?
Also, I always read "plant in full sun" when looking at seed packets and online sources of info on growing chile plants. Well, almost always--I have read in some places (especially on YouTube) Neil of the Hippy Seed Company (great video reviews BTW) saying that he believes full sun is not optimal, and in fact some of his biggest, best plants are grown with some shade near fences. Also, all of my pepper plants were in the shade through most of the day last year due to the house on the east, the garage to the west, and various trees to the south.
I should clarify that I'm talking about the light a plant receives when outdoors, after its indoors start; I realize that when indoors and first starting, the quality of light is one of the most important parts.
Last year, if I remember right my soil was around 7.0 and I honestly couldn't taste anything different (bitterness or otherwise) compared to various store-bought habaneros I bought. This year the majority of my plants will be in a different garden, which IIRC had a pH of around 6.5 last year and was used for sunflowers. However, I'm waiting for the rain to stop so I can prepare it, and I'll be mixing some Miracle Gro (I know, I know...) garden soil in which will likely alter it a bit. I read somewhere, in fact I think it was a post somewhere on this forum, that no special pH will make up for loads of organic matter in the soil. So is pH really that important?
Also, I always read "plant in full sun" when looking at seed packets and online sources of info on growing chile plants. Well, almost always--I have read in some places (especially on YouTube) Neil of the Hippy Seed Company (great video reviews BTW) saying that he believes full sun is not optimal, and in fact some of his biggest, best plants are grown with some shade near fences. Also, all of my pepper plants were in the shade through most of the day last year due to the house on the east, the garage to the west, and various trees to the south.
I should clarify that I'm talking about the light a plant receives when outdoors, after its indoors start; I realize that when indoors and first starting, the quality of light is one of the most important parts.