**FULL QUESTION:**
Dear Gardening Life,
I need hints for growing sweet bell peppers.
*—Johanna Duggan*
**ANSWER:**
Hi Johanna,
Peppers, whether started from seed indoors or bought as seedlings, should only be planted out once the soil is warm and night temperatures are above 13 degrees C (55 F).
You can speed up the soil heating by covering it with black plastic. Set the plants at least 18 inches apart in a sunny spot in well-drained, compost-enriched soil, using a transplant solution. Keep them evenly moist and protected from hot, dry winds. Planting marjoram nearby is supposed to enhance the peppers’ flavour and deter insect pests.
Watch out for aphids on the undersides of the leaves: if you see them, wash them off with a good shot of water from the hose.
Hope that helps,
*Karen York, GL Botanical Editor*
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