Hello from sunny Orlando, FL USA. I've been growing chili peppers now for the last 3 years but this is the first year I would be able to say that I'm truly immersed in the hobby. I bought a house in 2008 and after my first year there converted a portion of the back yard into a garden space. Last year I took up the challenge of growing Bhut Jolokias and I had a surprising amount of success having never previously grown a superhot before.
This year I'm taking it to the next level.
I had done my research last year on germinating bhuts and I ended up building a DIY artificial lighting rig.
This year, I partially deconstructed that rig and expanded it to have a bi-level setup, two additional T8 fluorescent fixtures and casters for easier mobility.
My grow list for this year includes:
I experimented with different starter media last year and my best success was seedling starter mix in 1" peat trays on germination heat mats. I've tried peat pellets and I just never can seem to find that happy place with moisture balance; either they are sopping wet or too dry.
I germinate everything on an enclosed sunroom porch that gets Eastern sun in the morning and stays warm all day, it is a non-conditioned space. I've built raised beds from landscape timbers in the back.
This will be my first season as a member of thehotpepper even though I've been lurking and reading now for about a year. Thanks for all of the great information so far and I hope to be a contributing member!
This year I'm taking it to the next level.
I had done my research last year on germinating bhuts and I ended up building a DIY artificial lighting rig.
This year, I partially deconstructed that rig and expanded it to have a bi-level setup, two additional T8 fluorescent fixtures and casters for easier mobility.
My grow list for this year includes:
- Tabasco (they survived the winter here in Orlando, FL) (1)
- Red Cayenne (another winter survivor) (1)
- White Lightning Habaneros (overwintered) (2)
- Bhut Jolokia (some overwintered, some fresh starts) (5)
- Golden Cayenne (15)
- Trinidad Scorpion (15)
- Cowhorn Peppers
- Purple Jalapenos (15)
- NuMex Big Jim Jalapenos (10)
- Jalapenos (non-GMO organic "regulars") (20)
I experimented with different starter media last year and my best success was seedling starter mix in 1" peat trays on germination heat mats. I've tried peat pellets and I just never can seem to find that happy place with moisture balance; either they are sopping wet or too dry.
I germinate everything on an enclosed sunroom porch that gets Eastern sun in the morning and stays warm all day, it is a non-conditioned space. I've built raised beds from landscape timbers in the back.
This will be my first season as a member of thehotpepper even though I've been lurking and reading now for about a year. Thanks for all of the great information so far and I hope to be a contributing member!
from florida,,nice set up. best of luck with your grow!
