There is nothing more satisfying than picking a green pepper from a plant you have grown yourself. Unfortunately things do not always go to plan and you can encounter problems along the way. Here are ten of the most common questions asked about growing peppers most of which concern the leaves. Leaves turning brown or black, curling or just dropping off. I came across an article by Mary H Dyer which I found on the Gardening Know How website which provides answers to these ten problems.

It can be disheartening to have your hard work in the garden go caput due to unforeseen challenges. That?s why it is the goal of Gardening Know How to help avoid these issues, or at the very least amend them, by providing the best information possible so your garden will flourish ? and that includes answering the gardening questions that plaque us all. In the garden, pepper growing is a common practice, and not without its own set of problems. Here are the top questions about peppers.

1) How to treat insects on pepper plants?
Insect control depends on the type of bug that?s attacking your pepper plants. Sap-sucking insects such as aphids, scale, mites or mealybugs are easy to control with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. (Never spray when temperatures are above 85 F./29 C.). Harmful pests like caterpillars, leafrollers, hornworms and potato beetles can be removed by hand, or you can apply a naturally occurring bacteria known as Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis). Pepper plants are more pest resistant when they aren?t stressed; plant peppers in well-drained soil, then ensure they are watered and fertilized properly.
 
2) How to fertilize pepper plants?
Pepper plants need to be fed because nutrients in the soil run out quickly. However, easy goes it, because too much fertilizer can result in big, beautiful, bushy plants with very little fruit. Here?s an easy way to ensure your pepper plants have the nutrients they need: Mix a slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting time (organic, slow-release fertilizer is great for peppers and other edibles), and then follow up with a light application of a water-soluble plant food or fish emulsion every couple of weeks. Be sure to water after applying fertilizer.

3) What causes blossom drop on pepper plants?
Blossom drop on pepper plants is usually the result of some type of stress. Some problems are easily rectified, but often, there isn?t a lot you can do. For example, drastic temperature changes can cause blossom drop, but the plant often rebounds when the temperature stabilizes. Other possible reasons for blossom drop include poor pollination, over- or under-watering, too much (or too little) fertilizer, excessively low or high humidity, fungal diseases or insect pests.

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