What to Plant After Peppers

Peppers are a popular vegetable among gardeners because they are easy to grow, flavorful and versatile. However, after a growing season of peppers, it's important to think about what to plant next. Planting the same crop in the same spot year after year can lead to soil depletion and increased pest problems. If you're wondering what to plant after peppers, read on for some suggestions.

Plant Legumes

After peppers, it's a good idea to plant legumes such as beans or peas. Legumes are known for their nitrogen-fixing ability, which means they take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a usable form for other plants. This helps to increase soil fertility and ensures that the next crop will have enough nitrogen to grow properly. Legumes also have deep roots that help to break up soil and improve soil structure.

Plant Leafy Greens

Another option for what to plant after peppers is leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach or kale. These vegetables are not only nutritious but they also help to improve soil health. Leafy greens are shallow rooted, which means they don't interfere with the deeper roots of the pepper plants. They also help to add organic matter to the soil, which improves soil structure and moisture retention.

Plant Brassicas

Brassica vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage are also good options for what to plant after peppers. These vegetables are heavy feeders, which means they require a lot of nutrients to grow properly. After the nitrogen-fixing ability of legumes, brassicas can benefit from the increased fertility in the soil. Additionally, brassicas can help to break up soil and improve soil structure with their deep roots.

Use Cover Crops

If you're unsure what to plant after peppers, consider using a cover crop. Cover crops are plants grown specifically to improve soil health and protect soil from erosion. Examples of cover crops include clover, buckwheat and rye. A cover crop can help to increase soil fertility, control weeds and pests, and improve soil structure.

Rotate Crops

Rotating crops is another way to ensure soil health and prevent pest problems. After peppers, consider planting a completely different crop family, such as tomatoes or cucumbers. Crop rotation can help to reduce soil-borne diseases and pests that can build up over time if the same crop is continuously grown in the same spot.

In conclusion, after a successful pepper growing season, it's important to think about what to plant next. Legumes, leafy greens and brassicas are all good options for improving soil health and ensuring the success of the next crop. Using cover crops and rotating crops can also help to prevent pest and disease problems. By choosing the right plants and methods, you can continue to enjoy a bountiful vegetable garden year after year.