Q: Dear Dave,I was told to ’kill the weeds’ in preparation for planting next spring, to increase the pH of my soil, and to give my soil a lot of organic material (I want to grow organically, if possible). So, how do I kill my weeds and increase my soil pH without chemicals? Is there an organic material that will …
Looking for Chiles in Holland
Q: Hello Dave,I am a New Mexican, currently living in Eindhoven, The Netherlands (Holland). Do you know of someplace to get good green chile, habeneros, etc. in this area? Seeds, sauces, or chile pods would be great!Many Thanks, Richard Harwood A: Hello Richard:The best way to find out is to call a wholesale produce distributor and ask them about fresh chiles. …
Damage from Excess Nitrogen in Fertilizer
Q: Hi Dave,This year is the first time I have planted peppers in my back yard garden. I didn’t know much about fertilizer, but someone recommended Urea for growth and I used it. The Urea I used was 45-0-0. Now, out of 20 plus plants, 3 are dead and 2 are on their way. Is there way to undo or …
Damaged Taste Buds
Q: Dave,Is it possible to damage the heat sensors on the tongue? I’ve been eating chiles for years, but they just aren’t what they used to be.Thanks, Jim A: Hello Jim:Indeed, extremely hot chiles or hot sauce can damage your taste buds. However, the body replaces them every two weeks anyway, so any damage is temporary. For more information on this …
Drying Peppers & Salsa Fresca
Q: Good Morning Dave! I have only just discovered this site & it is wonderful! I’m new at growing peppers & I need help. When I bought my plants they were labeled habaneros, but I have since been told they are serranos. I didn’t expect them to really make it…but all 6 plants are producing wonderful little peppers. My question …