Peppers need only about 1 lb. of nitrogen per 500 sq. Then we follow with a drip irrigation line down the middle of the bed, and cover the bed with black, woven landscape fabric, pinning the edges down securely to prevent the fabric from blowing up in high winds. We make 4-in. We prefer landscape fabric over black plastic because we get all the benefits of plastic, such as smothering weeds and warming the soil. And because it's permeable, water won't puddle on top and become another catalyst for disease.
Good rows grow good plants.
We plant peppers in two rows per bed, with the rows 12 in. This promotes good air flow among the plants for disease control and high production from a small area. Between the beds, we leave a wide path mulched with straw. This also contributes to good air circulation and provides room for the plants to grow, and ours grow huge. It also eases access for picking.