How Should Green Peppers Be Watered?

Efficient Watering

• Drip irrigation is the most efficient way to water pepper plants, according to the New Mexico State University College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. It provides adequate soil moisture levels for uniform plant growth and fruit set, while conserving water. Lack of water can cause plants to shed blossoms and small peppers, and can also promote dry rot. Overwatering can cause Phytophthora and other root-rotting conditions. An option for home gardens, drip irrigation uses plastic pipes to carry a low flow of water under low pressure to plants. This provides water more slowly and uniformly than do other methods. Sprinkler or furrow irrigation techniques may not provide uniform watering and can encourage disease spread.

Drip Irrigation

• Another advantage of drip irrigation is that it provides water near the plant's roots and prevents water from reaching weeds. Other systems that splash water, such as sprinklers, can also spread disease from the soil to plants or from leaf to leaf, the University of Minnesota Extension notes.

Water Amount

• The University of Minnesota Extension advises watering the soil around peppers regularly to a depth of 6 inches for adequate moisture. This goal is met by providing 1 inch of water per week, either from irrigation or rain, which will wet the root zones to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, according to the Clemson University Horticulture Department. In other words, the university notes, peppers require 6 gallons of water per square yard per week for adequate moisture. Avoid providing so much water that the soil becomes soggy and water-logged.

Propagating Peppers

• Start peppers plants by seeds indoors approximately eight weeks before transplanting outside. Soil temperature should be at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit for transplanting. Space plants 18 inches apart in rows at least 24 inches apart and water thoroughly. Pay particularly close attention to watering when pepper plants begin to bloom. Lack of adequate moisture at bloom time causes blossom drop and lack of fruiting. Water stress can also increase pepper pungency.