How to Manage Pests

Watering peppers and eggplants

Proper watering is very important. Drip irrigation or furrow irrigation on raised beds, instead of using sprinklers, will keep your soils well drained and protect against diseases such as root rot.

Keep the root zone moist throughout the growing season. One or two waterings during the first month will help establish the plant. Peppers and eggplants root to about 2 feet deep and plants should not be subject to water stress. Stress during the bloom can cause substantial reduction in fruit set and stress during early fruit growth can induce blossom end rot in peppers. Keep adequate moisture in the deeper soil layers even when plants are small. Deep moisture is harder to replace later in the growing season without overirrigating.

Place a hose or drip tape between rows of plants

Furrow irrigation