Growing during the Off Season

[Shandley]

Greetings!

Does anyone grow during the off-season (fall winter) and still get fruit?

I guess my actual question is, with my set-up, how do I do it?

I have a 30 Gal Aquarium that has a fluorescent grow lamp with a lid and a heat pad in one corner. Keeping the temp constant isn't hard.

The most problem I will have is keeping the taller plants inside this thing. I'll have to pick and choose but can I top the tall plants and expect the height to come back in the spring?

Anyways, any insight would be helpful. It's starting to get cold again (shortest Summer ever).

 

[jedisushi06]

Yeah if you crop them babies down they will grow back bushy later. You would only fit about 2 plants in that 30 gallon or 3.

 

[FarmerGuy]

Build yourself one of these:

 

[willard3]

Use the search function: "overwintering"

Also, try here: http://thehotpepper.com/topic/25596-the-comprehensive-guide-to-over-wintering/

 

[Gotrox]

Ditch the lid and put a solid cover on it.
Cover the glass so it is opaque. (no light gets in)
Big air stone and decent pump.
Fill with decent hydro mix.
Drill appropriate holes in the lid to fit your containment into.
Hang lights above.

Really a PITA to de-dirt roots and figure out how to stuff them in, I don't.
The other way is easier, but takes up more space.
Start in hydro, put in dirt, pull out of dirt and put in pots for winter.

You want them to go dormant, so no production.

Best way---IMHO---is you already have 3/4 of a ghetto hydroponic system.
A few parts found laying about and some decent fertilizer and you could start a new grow for winter.
They will be all bushy and happy for spring planting.

 

[armac]

No off season here

 

[Spice 8]

I usually get a couple pods per plant the pods are commonly reffered to as "winter" pods as they are small and only contain a few seeds, but still mean on the heat.