I picked up a copy of The Complete Chile Pepper Book: A Gardener's Guide to Choosing, Growing, Preserving, and Cooking (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1604695803?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf)

It’s a nice little resource, but that’s coming from someone who is just starting to get into growing peppers as a hobby.

For free resources I really like Gary Pilarchik’s Rustic Garden YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/pilarchik

Also Khang Starr is another great free resource: https://www.youtube.com/user/KhangStarr010

Hope these help!

I see your point. I like the option but here is a question..

Say I buy this: https://www.amazon.com/Horticulture-Lighting-Group-USA-Quantum/dp/B07C57J7XX

Like you are saying its $150. and its supposed to be as effective as a 300w cfl.

It consumes the same amount of energy as say this: https://www.amazon.com/VIPARSPECTRA-Reflector-Spectrum-Indoor-Plants/dp/B01B4GQ6MO/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Viparspectra&qid=1555016528&s=lawn-garden&sr=1-3

Which is also supposed to be as effective as a 300w lamp...

Whats the reason behind spending double if I am not gaining anything on performance or efficiency? The one advantage I see is no pink light.

Heating pad is way cheaper than I remembered!

MET certified Seedling Heat Mat, Seedfactor Waterproof Durable Germination Station Heat Mat, Warm Hydroponic Heating Pad for Indoor Home Gardening Seed Starter(10" x 20") https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074753J5V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_I5M6Ab3AEHNDK

Mini Greenhouse: for some reason this one only has 25 and costs 12, but in store I got 36 for about five bucks. Same brand.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ferry-Morse-jiffy-J425-All-In-One-Greenhouse-25/1762496

The grow light I bought is similar to this one, but again only a few bucks in store vs this online price (couldn’t find the exact one, but it’s just a bulb that says plant light)
http://www.walmart.com/ip/OxyLED-LED-Plant-Grow-Light-Bulb-Hydroponic-Plant-Grow-Lights-for-Greenhouse-Indoor-Plant-Lights-Bulb-E26-12W-3Blue-9-Red-LEDs/572006833


And just put that bulb in a desk lamp, but don’t put it directly down on the seed starters. Face it off axis kinda to the side to avoid direct exposure.


I’ve tried so many methods from the web that didn’t work, but this one got me sprouts from seed in about a week, which I’ve never experienced with superhots. I’m still learning as I go, but this one actually got me some plants. I hope this helps! The heating pad is awesome and doesn’t get too hot, and the other items are cheaper and better in store.

there is not a good kit, you should buy stuff separate.

light, growing space/material, seeds/plants will probably come from different vendors.

if you wanted a super simple, easy to use kit could get an autopot and then some easy to use nutrients, a simple 1 piece light(led or HPS), then some seeds or wait for march and get some starter plants from me =D

You can try bone meal, but the only way to tell if there is a nutrient deficiency is to test the soil. I used this kit and it was pretty simple.
As for pests, there are plenty of sprays available. Regardless of which one you choose, the important part is to be consistent and don't stop when you first see an improvement. There are still eggs that will hatch and start the whole process over again.

The light in the picture is just a bright LED light in a basic desk lamp fixture. It's not the light I plan to use. The light I will use is this 36 inch T5 fixture/light combo that I bought on amazon, but it hasn't arrived yet so I don't know how good it will be just yet. To turn the shelf into a tent I just bought this stuff for $15 and attached it with lots of duct tape. I used one single piece for the bottom, top, and 3 sides, and another piece for the door. And then I cut a hole in the door to use as a small access window so that I can keep the door sealed.

I plan to start with 1 light and buy more as I need them. The top part of my shelf will be used for seed starting and small to medium sizes seedlings and the bottom can support pretty tall plants.

So I did the soil test kit that I bought. According to it the pH of my soil is at least 7.5, maybe a bit higher and the nitrogen content isn't detectable it's so low. Everything else looks good. I find it to be a bit odd considering the container is full of a rough mel's mix I put together of peat moss, vermiculite, compost, composted manure, and mushroom compost.

What would you recommend I do to the soil? As of right now the only ferts I have are 9-12-12, 4-15-14, and some miracle grow spray stuff that is 12-4-5.

Not sure how many you're looking for, but I went with this 24 pack. It's got the lids and dripper inserts included which makes it easy. Plus, free prime shipping for me.

I found a couple of vendors that were cheaper, but you have to get hundreds for it to make shipping worth it. They also break apart the bottles, caps, and dripper inserts separately which is annoying. Maybe one day I'll do that, but not this year.

Hmmm...I'm 5b and at least have a few flowers on some (One tiny little Thai Dragon as of yesterday!), but a bunch are still holding out. Planted in February, so about 6 months in. Did you use any miracle grow, fish fertilizer, etc?

That light is garbage, do not buy it. If you need a cheap grow light get a Viparspectra 300 or 600. They are reliable lights that last a long time. However, your money will be better spent on a high quality light, quantum boards are currently the best commercially available to home growers: https://horticulturelightinggroup.com/products/hlg-100

That’s a great price on an all in one light that will last basically forever. There are others manufacturing these types of boards for lower cost but you would have to do some research and building. The HLG kits can be purchased on Amazon HLG 100 V2 4000K Horticulture Lighting Group Quantum Board LED Grow Light Veg & Bloom | Version 2 High-Efficiency Upgraded LM301B LED's- Includes Radix 100ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C57J7XX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_39Q2DbP5CP9SD

I have mine currently on my laundry room shelf with an LED light. Ha. Nice setup. I don't have any reflective insulation right now since I will be moving mine outside soon. But next year I plan on it. Would you say it's cheaper to do that or just get a tent?

Anyone curious, this the LED and hooks I have:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F53LP46

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0098R0600

If you want blurple lights, the MarsHydro is a go to. T5 and T8 fluorescent bulbs/fixtures are a usual grow light suggestion.

How many plants do you want to support? What stages of growth?

These were our set up last year and it worked great.

Going to order the same ones and have double the grow set up this year:

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One of these: $79.99

Roleadro LED Grow Light, Galaxyhydro Series 300W Indoor Plant Grow Lights Full Spectrum with UV&IR for Veg and Flower

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PH1MQV8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Two of these: $69.99

Roleadro Upgrade and Newly Developed LED Grow Light Full Spectrum 2nd Generation Series 300w Plants Light

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HI3AFYM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought this one and it came with a free 20w bulb as well. I currently use both of them.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MPY7YC2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_HO1IAbWMPFXD2

I don't know if this is the exact one, but it's pretty similar. It really is only big enough for one pepper plant, though. https://www.amazon.com/TaoTronics-light-Hydropoics-Greenhouse-Organic/dp/B00GNWK2XO/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1479332792&sr=8-6&keywords=led+grow+light

I've been fermenting for a while now, these lids are great and turn most jars into fermenting containers.

Very nice set-up! I use almost the same thing but kick them out to a greenhouse once it warms up (I'm in Southern Ontario so we have nearly the same weather you would have.)

Also, just a suggestion:
You could buy some Mylar that is black on one side and white on the other to wrap around the shelf. I use it to keep the light from spilling out and reflect it back on to the plants.

Here's the link. Should work fine. I bought two of them and they're working well for all my plants.

If you decide to get another one or for anyone else here I picked this one up. The cups are dish washer safe. Never had issues with cross ground flavors.

https://www.amazon.com/Secura-Electric-Stainless-Steel-Removable-Warranty/dp/B079PMWD1B

I ended up buying.... this LED bulb

I'll let you know how it goes if you're interested.

Something like this https://www.amazon.com/VIVOSUN-Hydroponic-Observation-Window-Growing/dp/B01DXYMQ9M/ref=sr_1_4?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1510850378&sr=1-4&keywords=grow+tent&dpID=41vlDhyEv%252BL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Either 4x4 or 4x8. Probably 4x8

It's a high phosphorus fertilizer that promotes more buds/pods on plants.

https://www.amazon.com/Fox-Farm-Liquid-Concentrate-Fertilizer/dp/B00BYG6OB8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1498770175&sr=8-2&keywords=TIGER+BLOOM

I got my bottles and shrink capsules on amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TG0XZF2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YB15OHS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And I designed my lables and had a local sticker place print them on some heavy duty vinyl, 3"x5" for 5oz bottles.

It's a combination of red and blue. And I actually checked Amazon after I posted that comment and it's back in stock currently. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MPY7YC2?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Generally even with southern sun the plants will need to be cut back (I live in Minnesota, USA). There are affordable lights these days. I just bought this one: Osunby LED Grow Light 45W UV IR Growing Lamp for Indoor Plants Hydroponic Plant Grow Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075JFPLY1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_ecyZWPQDahT6C. Only 45W. I’m using it for seedlings and it’s been working well.

Fermentation Kit for Wide Mouth... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075LRMRDQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I used this spice grinder to grind the dried peppers. Then I sifted it through a fine, metal, mesh strainer and reground the larger pieces. I didn’t use any anti-clumping agent. I don’t know if it will need one, but I wouldn’t know what to use.

Stand:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FJQ1F6M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

Germination Tray:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GRRDXSV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

Light:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TS82HWB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Fermentation-Kit-Wide-Mouth-Jars/dp/B075LRMRDQ/ref=sr_1_7?crid=FETONNKDKEEN&keywords=fermenting+lids&qid=1568432270&s=home-garden&sprefix=fermen%2Cgarden%2C1028&sr=1-7

These guys: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TSE77C/

and I have a heat mat under it: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074753J5V

VIVOSUN 48"x24"x60" and 2 x Roleadro 300w LED Grow Light Full Spectrum Light Fixture

I am doing more of a DWC setup. The tubs are 15 Gal with 2 x airstones and the 5Gal buckets get 1 airstone each.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DJVVORE

You need these... Adjustable Lighting

Azamax -- Only thing that works for everything I've encountered.

killing aphids: use one of the below sprays in morning, let it sit, rinse it off in the evening.

pyrethrin, azamax

Soil/fert: Your ph could be too high if you use fish ferts+peat+soil. If ph is too high your plant will not absorb nutrients no matter what you throw at it, there are testing kits at hydro or homedepot/lowes or amazon. You probably need an extra source of calcium for sure, Lime could help you out with both low calcium and ph.

water: Once they are past seedlings (2 sets of leaves) you can start watering them less.. At least 1 day for the soil to dry out between watering, If you soil stays wet for a long time then you don't need to water for 2 or 3 days.

shade: 12 hour direct full sunlight can be damaging, if you deck gives a little shade(like for 2-5pm or something) that would be nice.


edit: Take some pics and post so we can see!

once a week i will put a packet of the Miracle Grow singles into a 3 gallon watering can and water my plants. i have 4 plants. the larger one gets half the container, and the 4 smaller ones each get a quarter of what remains.

once a month, i will use fish nitro and hold on to my pants... that shit makes them explode with pods(and grow in size) but it makes the yard smell like death.

green tea might not be your best bet... i tried coffee grinds from my local starbucks and it caused mushrooms to grow quite often. switched back over to normal soil and nada. didnt notice any growth, but i did notice an abnormal amount of bugs feeding off the leaves. also the water that drained out stained everything because it was basically coffee...

stick to traditional methods. you will probably get the best results that way.