We set out pepper plants in our Zone 7a garden in early May, and they grow until the first killing frost in late October or early November. They're in the ground longer than any other annual in the garden. To keep a crop growing strong and weed-free that long requires good planning and attention to the crop's special needs. We try to pick a planting site where we have not grown tomatoes, eggplant, or potatoes for at least three years. These plants share many of the same soil and leaf diseases, and it's best not to give them a chance to build up.
Peppers grow best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soil.
The heavier the soil, the more organic matter you need to add. Test the soil for adequate minerals. Any balanced garden soil grows fine peppers. Additional potassium and calcium might be needed to spur good fruit development. Potassium and calcium help produce nice thick pepper walls that not only taste better but also resist fruit rot.