Thin peppers

Emerion

Hello, I’ve grown sweet peppers in the poly tunnel for years and they are always much thinner than the ones in the shops. They are healthy, they grow large, and they ripen. I’ve tried several varieties over the years, but it’s always the same - a couple of millimetres thick. Is it variety, growing conditions or feed? 

Obelixx

Do you refresh the soil every year and do you feed them?  They like a rich, slightly acidic soil and moisture but not soggy feet.

Here's what the RHS says about growing them.  Maybe it will help - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=664 

Emerion

Hello, thanks for replying. I don’t refresh the soil, but I do rotate crops, add manure in the autumn and garden compost in the spring. Other veg (toms, courgettes, aubergines), are doing fine using this system.  Our soil is slightly acidic. I don’t understand why they are growing so big and healthy-looking if the soil and/or feeding is inadequate. 

Obelixx

Adding manure and compost is refreshing the soil and its fertility so maybe you need to change variety.

Emerion

Thank you. I’ll start a new discussion for advice on varieties. 

Obelixx

Have a read of this report from the RHS trials and see if that helps - http://apps.rhs.org.uk/planttrials/TrialReports/Pepper%20sweet%202016.pdf 

BobTheGardener

Having tried lots of bell pepper varieties, I know just what you mean.  Try 'Yellow Bell F1' and 'Rainbow mixed F1' for reliably thick-fleshed sweet peppers which grow well under glass in the UK.  Seeds were from Dobies and/or Mr Fothergills I seem to recall.

Emerion

Thanks all, that’s really useful. I’m looking forward to trying again next year. That’s funny Obelix, I thought refreshing the soil meant digging it out and replacing it! 😊

Obelixx

No, it means putting back some of the nutrients and fibrous matter consumed by the previous crop.  Very important for good fruit and veg.