Today, we’re talking about two of the ten most popular backyard garden vegetables: sweet peppers and hot peppers. We talk with the man whom the New York Times dubbed the Pope of Peppers, Dave Dewitt. Besides offering up tips on how to grow hot peppers, but also how to overwinter them for a second year crop (some varieties are better than others for this). Plus, he has the remedy for what to swallow after you’ve bitten down on a pepper that is just too hot. And no…it’s not water or beer, and its not milk! Looking for different varieties to try? Check out some of these from a previous Pepper Tasting Party.

And we get questions about sweet pepper problems. Our favorite retired college horticulture professor, Debbie Flower, tackles the case of the falling flowers from pepper plants. Sound familiar? Give us a listen! It’s all part of Episode 25 of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred.

More info about why vegetables shed blossoms prematurely here.

An informative NuMex Joe E. Parker pepper seed packet from Renee's Garden.

The Scoville Scale, explained.

An easier way to germinate pepper seeds.

And kids...don't try this at home.

More episodes and info available at Garden Basics with Farmer Fredhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1004629.

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