See figure 1. Since most families need only a few plants, it is best to buy plants rather than grow them from seed. Buy healthy plants 4-6 inches tall. About three to four hot pepper plants and eight to ten sweet pepper plants usually are enough for a family of four. See figure 2.
Peppers grow best in warm weather.
Do not plant them until all danger of cold weather has passed. Plant fall peppers 12-16 weeks before the first expected frost. Space the rows at least 3 feet apart. Before planting, fill the holes with water and let it soak in. Move the plants carefully from the box or flat and set them in the transplant holes.