(Part 2) Best products from r/HotPeppers

Welcome to world of gardening peppers, albeit as a hobby. So lets start off with the basics. You should check out the growing megathread sticky post and/or the wiki, since both sources might already answer questions you might have.

For seeds I like to use pepperlover.com or pepperjoe.com(new management), since it has yielded high germination rates, around 90% and pretty quickly too. Its advised to not buy seeds from eBay or Amazon since a lot of them are not true to species or might be very old. With the vendors mentioned above, you can easily e-mail them if you run into any seed issues, such as poor germination rate, not true to species (mistakes labeling do happen), diseased seeds, etc. They are quick to respond and are very nice. They also normally send out random "free packets of seeds" along with your order, so you get to try different varieties.

Since you're seeds are still on the way, per your post. I would start with a fabric pot/grow bag. I would order a Smart Pot or Root Pouch. If you're going for something with handles you might want to go with the Root Pouch option, my Smart Pots ripped, you're not supposed to use the handles when the pot is full, which defeats its purpose. Since they're more forgiving than hard pots. With hard pots you run the risk of getting root bound, which can plug your drainage holes and in turn that would cause root rot since the water doesn't have a path drainage after the roots block up the drainage holes. With fabric bags the whole pot is built for drainage.

Then you decide on what type of soil/potting mix you want to use. Each of them have their positives and negatives. A lot of people start off with a base potting mix as a base, then blend in other ingredients to get the desired soil.

I use:

• Potting mix, look for seed starters or something without fertilizers added
  
• Egg shells, for calcium since most starters/potting mix lack calcium
  
• Used coffee grounds, slow release nitrogen source, plus its free if you go to starbucks and ask them to save the grounds for you. Its the N of NPK
  
• Epsom salt, the PK of NPK
  
• Perlite, lightens up the soil helps retain water and helps with drainage
  
• Sand, I put a layer of this on top of my soil to deter pests like the fungus gnat, especially if the plants are going to be kept indoors. If you don't use sand they will eventually find a way into your house via fruits and veg you buy
  
  Other than that, germinate your seeds via the instructions included with the seeds and then transfer them to your pot. Just practice a lot of discipline in watering. The main issue with new growers is either over watering or root bound. Both are addressed when using fabric pot/grow bags.
  
  Just keep in mind all potting mixes/soils will eventually become nutrient depleted and would need supplementation. A lot of people here use tomato feed or the Fox Farm trio.
  
  If there's anything else just post it to the subreddit or do some research online.

Nope, I'm in California, they're in Pennsylvania. From what I can tell, Amazon has them for $16 per case with Prime. Filmore Container has them for $4 per case plus shipping.

From PA to CA, 1 case ships for $14.60, making Amazon a better deal. 2 cases ship for $19.54, making Filmore Container a way better deal. The larger the volume, the more you save.

Free shipping isn't always a good deal, because it doesn't allow you to save by buying in bulk.

TL;DR If you're buying 1 case, use Amazon Prime. If you are buying 2 or more cases, use Filmore Container.

a cheap hps kit is a good start. Can grow plants through all stages. Just need a decent sized space like 6' tall, 4 x 4

want to spend more / better quality? get a cmh kit.

want to diy? build a LED COB kit

looking for more shelf compatible that are good for seedlings? get LED shoplights at your local lowes / depot

yeah you will want a timer. they are cheap / normal timers u see for like christmas lights

I see your point. I like the option but here is a question..

Say I buy this: https://www.amazon.com/Horticulture-Lighting-Group-USA-Quantum/dp/B07C57J7XX

Like you are saying its $150. and its supposed to be as effective as a 300w cfl.

It consumes the same amount of energy as say this: https://www.amazon.com/VIPARSPECTRA-Reflector-Spectrum-Indoor-Plants/dp/B01B4GQ6MO/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Viparspectra&qid=1555016528&s=lawn-garden&sr=1-3

Which is also supposed to be as effective as a 300w lamp...

Whats the reason behind spending double if I am not gaining anything on performance or efficiency? The one advantage I see is no pink light.

I'm actually in the USA, I just like to get my seeds from The Chilli Factory near Syndey. They have some of the hottest stuff around, and their seeds have a high rate of germaination.

I bought these lights online because nowhere near me carried anything big enough. They were a bit more expensive than I had hoped, but I got free 2 day shipping, so it worked out well.

This is the timer that I use. 4 of the plugs are on a timer, 4 have power all the time. I really like this power strip because I have 4 CFLs on timers, a T-5 fluorescent light that I use, a heat mat, and an air compressor for my DWC buckets.

Thanks!

Inside this grow-tent, I'm using 2x VIPARSPECTRA 300w LEDs for the lighting. I have a 4 LPM air pump with tubes running into each container (plugged to air stones). This setup is running on a timer from 6AM to 10PM.

The containers are ~10L (a bit more than 2gal) plastic trash bins from Walmart. I found it was the most efficient containers as they are more high than wide (unlike most standard storage containers), which allows me to fit more in the tent. This also enables the roots of the plants to reach deeper which I think is good (but don't quote me on this).

As for the nutrients I use standard General Hydroponics Flora series. I started with small concentration first, then followed the general indications on the bottles (aggressive vegetative growth until they start to flower, then transition to bloom, and then bloom and ripening).

I topped them all at the beginning when they had about 4 or 5 sets of leaves. I also pruned them a few times, cutting big leaves preventing light from reaching the middle of the plant.

Temperature was kept at between 22°C and 28°C most of the time (71F - 82F). Humidity varied between 35% and 55%.

I also have a Raspberry Pi in there to which I connected (and soldered) a humidity and temperature sensor. I then wrote a little app to send the data to a database and wrote another app to display real-time temperature stats and charts. I did this mostly for fun but it was useful.

The light in the picture is just a bright LED light in a basic desk lamp fixture. It's not the light I plan to use. The light I will use is this 36 inch T5 fixture/light combo that I bought on amazon, but it hasn't arrived yet so I don't know how good it will be just yet. To turn the shelf into a tent I just bought this stuff for $15 and attached it with lots of duct tape. I used one single piece for the bottom, top, and 3 sides, and another piece for the door. And then I cut a hole in the door to use as a small access window so that I can keep the door sealed.

I plan to start with 1 light and buy more as I need them. The top part of my shelf will be used for seed starting and small to medium sizes seedlings and the bottom can support pretty tall plants.

I'm doing it now, look at my posts to see my setup. You could get a small setup going for <$200 for everything to grow 4 decent sized plants, or you could spend a lot more on things like more efficient lights that aren't pink/purple, a tent to enclose it, or just a bigger setup for more plants.

Cheapest and easiest way to start with 4 plants is to use a LED like this from Amazon and put it like 2 feet over the plants. Get some 3 gallon pots, I like fabric pots because they drain well and dry fast like peppers like. Get some decent potting soil and some trays to sit the pots on. Humidity will probably be an issue though, and dehumidifiers aren't cheap.

You can use CFL or LED light bulbs, I started like that, but once I did the math on how many bulbs I needed and how much they and the sockets and everything for them were, I decided to go the LED grow light route. But then I didn't like the purple light color and wanted to make shelves, so I DIY'd some LED strips.

Don't use compost at all and get rid of all the current soil.

A quick google suggests a good potting mix to use in the UK is Biobizz Light mix. Use Chilli Focus as the fertiliser once per week or more if the plants need it.

With the Biobizz Light mix it looks like you won't need to add any perlite because it drains perfectly already.

Not sure how many you're looking for, but I went with this 24 pack. It's got the lids and dripper inserts included which makes it easy. Plus, free prime shipping for me.

I found a couple of vendors that were cheaper, but you have to get hundreds for it to make shipping worth it. They also break apart the bottles, caps, and dripper inserts separately which is annoying. Maybe one day I'll do that, but not this year.

That light is garbage, do not buy it. If you need a cheap grow light get a Viparspectra 300 or 600. They are reliable lights that last a long time. However, your money will be better spent on a high quality light, quantum boards are currently the best commercially available to home growers: https://horticulturelightinggroup.com/products/hlg-100

That’s a great price on an all in one light that will last basically forever. There are others manufacturing these types of boards for lower cost but you would have to do some research and building. The HLG kits can be purchased on Amazon HLG 100 V2 4000K Horticulture Lighting Group Quantum Board LED Grow Light Veg & Bloom | Version 2 High-Efficiency Upgraded LM301B LED's- Includes Radix 100ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C57J7XX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_39Q2DbP5CP9SD

I have mine currently on my laundry room shelf with an LED light. Ha. Nice setup. I don't have any reflective insulation right now since I will be moving mine outside soon. But next year I plan on it. Would you say it's cheaper to do that or just get a tent?

Anyone curious, this the LED and hooks I have:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F53LP46

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0098R0600

If you want blurple lights, the MarsHydro is a go to. T5 and T8 fluorescent bulbs/fixtures are a usual grow light suggestion.

How many plants do you want to support? What stages of growth?

This was the entire set up I bought and it's working very well.
You might do fine with just one light instead of three.

One of these: $79.99
Roleadro LED Grow Light, Galaxyhydro Series 300W Indoor Plant Grow Lights Full Spectrum with UV&IR for Veg and Flower

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PH1MQV8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Two of these: $69.99
Roleadro Upgrade and Newly Developed LED Grow Light Full Spectrum 2nd Generation Series 300w Plants Light
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HI3AFYM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1




VIVOSUN Durable Waterproof Seedling Heat Mat Warm Hydroponic Heating Pad 48" x 20.75"
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EMXI6VA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$53.99
Bayite Temperature Controller
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KMA6EAM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thank you!

I just bought this. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Growth-Technology-Ltd-05-210-110-Concentrated/dp/B003VO8I9W/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=Chilli+feed&qid=1562516377&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Hopefully it helps?

I found an unlikely winner in STAR SAN: https://www.amazon.com/Star-San-B0064O7YFA-San-32/dp/B0064O7YFA

It's an organic acid used for sanitizing brewing equipment. Go for a light mix with water in a spray bottle and you should be fine after one or two applications. I just wiped out an aphid infestation on my pear tree with it.

I bought this one and it came with a free 20w bulb as well. I currently use both of them.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MPY7YC2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_HO1IAbWMPFXD2

I don't know if this is the exact one, but it's pretty similar. It really is only big enough for one pepper plant, though. https://www.amazon.com/TaoTronics-light-Hydropoics-Greenhouse-Organic/dp/B00GNWK2XO/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1479332792&sr=8-6&keywords=led+grow+light

Sadly orime does not work with his items but I had a gift card that someone gave me for my birthday is why I used it. This is his Amazon. He mentioned to me not everything is on there. You can access his listings through the listing.

https://www.amazon.com/Sugar-Rush-Cream-Chile-Seeds/dp/B01AREUSAU

Very nice set-up! I use almost the same thing but kick them out to a greenhouse once it warms up (I'm in Southern Ontario so we have nearly the same weather you would have.)

Also, just a suggestion:
You could buy some Mylar that is black on one side and white on the other to wrap around the shelf. I use it to keep the light from spilling out and reflect it back on to the plants.

Just cheap lights from Amazon. The newest one is my favorite. Sometimes they go on sale.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CVTJLD8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_VSh2Bb7VGY6CF

I don't know a thing about peppers (yet!), but for my first try I got this and it seems to be working quite well.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JDRWE0K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Amazon

Bottles: Clear Glass Woozy Bottles with Shrink Capsules, 5 Oz - Case of 12 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MMT8XH4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3K8OybEV4YHWY

Stopper thingies: Dripper Insert for Hot Sauce Bottles 20ct https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064OPXOY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_xkvV9J5sQF8vh

Will this work? Do I just mix it directly into the existing solution? https://www.amazon.com/Best-Plant-Root-Enzymes-Milliliter/dp/B01DIACF4C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1550360097&sr=8-3&keywords=hydroponic+root+enzyme

It looks to be only affecting my jalapeno, cayenne and crosses of the two.

The light was probably 1-2 feet away, maybe they got burned?

I have noticed that the soil is taking forever to dry. I'm suspecting my light source is an issue?

I have the light on from 6am to 10pm, fan running, 2 of 3 flaps open. Room temp is 68F, no idea of the inside temp of the tent.

Using this LED light and this fan

A week ago I shaved the top of the soil, it was dark, hard and just not drying out. That's when I added a fan to the equation.

Am I right in thinking it's the light? I am thinking of grabbing this one

I ended up buying.... this LED bulb

I'll let you know how it goes if you're interested.

That's roughly 1.93 gal volume for your pot. I would consider something like http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JUOWB2/ref=s9_simh_gw_p86_d0_i1?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=1JE5RBZ72WT91ZGBRMGB&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=439659db-41fa-4a3b-8e0f-31b9d08e4568&pf_rd_i=desktop.

I this one? How do you use it? There are 3 of them, my plant is still growing

I got my bottles and shrink capsules on amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TG0XZF2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YB15OHS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And I designed my lables and had a local sticker place print them on some heavy duty vinyl, 3"x5" for 5oz bottles.

It's a combination of red and blue. And I actually checked Amazon after I posted that comment and it's back in stock currently. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MPY7YC2?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I have only ever used “chilli focus” bought from
Amazon

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003VO8I9W?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I use LED grow lights personally. I have a bout 3 of these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0748D2SMB/ and 2 of these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F53LP46 in a different spot.

A lot of LED grow lights are purple. I don't know why offhand but I assume it's because plants reflect green and yellow, so they focus on the wavelengths that actually get absorbed.

Differs per bottle. Here's the combo I'm using: https://www.amazon.com/General-Hydroponics-Flora-Bloom-Fertilizer/dp/B017H73708/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1491276631&sr=8-2&keywords=floragro

Chilli Focus is This bottle and here. I'm still not sure about the calcium levels.

Every time I see a post about lights and wattage, I say this Check if the value is true or equivalent wattage!. This vendor in particular is something else:

> Question:
> What does it mean that it as 15 / 45 w?
> Answer:
> LED power is 45 Watts. Consumption is 15 Watts.
> By Osunby SELLER on March 1, 2018

WTF? LED power is not 45 Watts, LED power is 15 Watts, which is equivalent to 45W of incandescent bulb.

That's 24$/15W = 1.6$/W. Checking for example this one (I'm by no means recommending it), which although has the same presenting equivalent instead of true, you get 0.44$/W with the current deal, or 0.56$/W with the old price. This is a factor of 3!! Granted, you might not need such power for a small setup, but there are others out there with lower power rating.

BTW, I'm not trying to "own" you or anything. I just want to spread the message so that people don't buy something on false information/assumptions, especially when someone says "Oh, you need X watts for that area or that amount of plants"