In-Ground Vs. Potted Bell Pepper Plants in Florida

Gardening Site

• Container plants are mobile, so you can move the pot to a shaded location when the plant suffers from sun direct exposure. Your potted bell pepper plants can grow on the patio or along a driveway or walkway. Containers can be placed close to the house for easy care. This is not always the case in the traditional Florida garden site.

  The traditional in-ground gardening site for bell peppers must have good drainage and at least six hours of sunlight each day. The sandy soil of Florida drains extremely well, and there is ample sunlight in most landscapes. However, the amount of sunlight on any given day in Florida may cause the bell pepper plants to wilt from the heat. Generally, a plant that wilts during the heat of the day bounces back in the evening, because the moisture in the soil is adequate for the root system. However, sandy soil that has not been amended may drain too much and contain little water for the plant roots.

Soil Choices

• Unlike the traditional garden, you have a wide choice of soils for use in a growing container, from soilless mixes to homemade formulas. A mixture that holds moisture and still allows for good drainage works well for potted bell peppers. For in-ground plants, the garden site must be amended to include topsoil and compost or some type of organic matter. Mixing the soil for two or three containers is less work than amending the garden area needed for two or three bell pepper plants. The drawback to container growing is that the traditional garden allows for more plants in the same amount of space taken up by the containers.

Weather and Water

• In-ground bell pepper plants are subject to all the elements, from wind and heavy rains to temperature fluctuations, in the Florida garden. You can move the potted plants to a safe location when a large storm is on the horizon. The same holds true if cold temperatures occur that could damage the plants; you can move the pots into the lanai, sun porch or garage.

  Despite storm potential, rain is not always forthcoming in Florida. In-ground bell pepper plants do well with an irrigation system, such as a drip line or soaker hose. Irrigation systems for potted plants may cost more than you are prepared to spend. The soil around potted bell peppers dries out quickly, depending on the planting medium. You may spend more time watering the potted bell pepper plants so that the sweet, crisp fruits develop properly.

Pest Control and Fertilization

• Pest control and fertilization of the potted bell pepper plants require a hands-on approach. With daily care, you can spot any pests that may invade the plants and take immediate action. In contrast, the traditional garden plot may be left unattended for a day or two. This means the pests may go undetected for a longer period and could inflict serious damage to the plants.

  The amended soil in a traditional garden contains nutrients for growing plants that are sufficient for most of the growing season. Salt and other trace elements do not build up in the soil like they do in container gardens. Potted plants must be regularly fed. The University of Florida IFAS Extension recommends a mixture of 2 cups of a general purpose (10-20-10) fertilizer with 1 gallon of water to create a concentrated plant food base. For daily use, mix 2 tablespoons of the base fertilizer with 1 gallon of water.

Gardener's Needs

• Bell pepper plants do not always reach great heights. Depending on the cultivar, the plant may be about 2 feet tall. This is low to the ground for someone with limited mobility. If you suffer from a lack of mobility or are not physically able to plant bell peppers in a traditional garden setting, pots are the solution. A potted pepper plant can sit on the railing of a porch or hang from a hook. You can set the pot where you have easy access to it. The potted bell peppers are within easy reach for watering, feeding and harvesting.