Grow Your Chillies Part 6

Chillies can be dried in a warm well-ventilated area before storage.

 

Alternatively they can be frozen.

 

Place the chillies in bags or containers and place in a freezer – no further preparation is needed.  The flesh may be slightly soft on thawing.

 

These peppers may irritate the skin because of their capsaicin content. While cooking, consider wearing latex gloves, or else keep the dish soap nearby. If you do feel the spicy bite of capsaicin, wash your hands with dish soap, or hold a towel dipped in milk over the affected area. When handling/cutting the peppers it is a good idea to wear vinyl gloves, as skin irritation may occur.  If you do not wear gloves, avoid touching the eyes with your fingers as painful burning will occur. Rinse the affected area thoroughly in cold water until burning sensation stops.

Disclaimer here!

Be Aware of Pests and Diseases!

Aphids – greenfly, and blackfly. Small sap sucking insects

Symptoms: distorted growth, sticky substance on foliage

Control

• Scrape off and crush between finger and thumb.

• Use Pesticide based on Pyrethrum

• Spray with soapy water

• Biological control using natural predators

 

Slugs and Snails

Symptoms: holes in leaves and shoots.  Tell-tale slime trails

Control

• Physical collection and removal of pests from growing area

• Use beer traps,

• Apply slug pellets around plants

 

Red Spider Mite

Symptoms: mottled foliage upper leaf surface and early leaf fall.  Underside of leaf – tiny yellowish green mites and white skin cases and egg shells..  Appearance of fine silk webbing on plant

Control

• Thrives in warm dry environment so increase atmospheric humidity.

• Use Biological control

 

Botrytis (grey mould)

Symptoms:  fuzzy grey mould, on leaves, buds, fruit and flowers

Control

There are no fungicides, approved for garden use, against this fungus.

Hygiene is important, especially for protected crops

Remove diseased material asap

 

Ensure good air movement and ventilation around plants especially in cool wet weather.