Over To You

the fun part

Well, that's about it from me for this season. Summer seems to have arrived with a flourish, and we've already had a taste of the sort of heat that chilli plants love. I'd just like to say a sincere thank you to everyone who has supported World of Chillies.

I hope your plants thrive, your harvests are plentiful, and you enjoy a summer full of flowers, fruit and plenty of home-grown heat. Good luck, and happy growing.

1. Pot On Before Plants Become Rootbound

At this time of year, chilli plants can put on growth surprisingly quickly. Keep moving them into larger pots as needed until they reach their final container. I generally use a mix of around 25% coir and 75% good-quality compost to provide both moisture retention and structure.

2. Water to Match the Weather

One of the most common mistakes is overwatering. Chilli plants use far less water during cool or cloudy weather than they do during warm, sunny spells. The leaves will often tell you what the plant needs, so take a moment to observe before reaching for the watering can. Avoid watering in bright sunshine where possible.

3. Feed Little and Often

Once plants are established, regular feeding will help support strong growth, flowering and fruit production. A good tomato feed works extremely well for chillies and provides the nutrients they need through the main growing season.

4. Give Plants Room to Breathe

Overcrowded plants create the perfect conditions for pests and diseases. Good spacing improves airflow and can help prevent problems such as mildew and fungal infections. A little extra space now can save a lot of trouble later.

5. Watch for Nutrient Deficiencies

Keep a close eye on leaf colour and overall plant health. Yellowing leaves, pale growth or unusual markings can be early signs of nutrient deficiencies. It's usually much easier to correct a problem when spotted early.

6. Take Plant Diseases Seriously

Most chilli plants remain healthy, but viruses and other diseases can occasionally occur. If you suspect a plant may be infected, isolate it from the rest of your collection while you investigate. Acting quickly can prevent problems spreading.

7. Pick Annuum Varieties Regularly

Many annuum varieties, such as Jalapeños, Ring of Fire and Padron peppers, respond well to regular harvesting. The more you pick, the more the plant is encouraged to keep producing.

8. Keep an Eye on the Forecast

Warm weather is wonderful for chillies, but prolonged damp spells can be challenging, particularly for plants grown outdoors. If heavy rain is forecast, consider moving containers under cover where possible to prevent plants becoming waterlogged.

9. Check for Slugs and Other Pests

Slugs love cool, damp hiding places beneath pots, trays and compost bags. Lift containers regularly and investigate any unexplained leaf damage. Catching pests early is far easier than dealing with a full-scale attack later.

10. Harvest, Preserve and Enjoy

The best part of growing chillies is eating them. Enjoy fresh fruits in your summer cooking, plan ahead for sauces and preserves, and think about pickling, drying or freezing any surplus harvest. A little preparation now can keep your home supplied with chillies long after summer has ended.

I've still got a few latecomers hanging around in Offers if you're tempted to slightly exceed your original chilli-growing plans for the year.

It happens to the best of us. With June just around the corner, these are very much the last of the season before I down tools and concentrate on growing rather than dispatching.