AboutElyse Grau Expertise I can answer most questions on vegetable and fruit growing, in particular those that pertain to the Northwest, Midwest and other cool areas of the country. I prefer to use only organic/natural methods and materials.
Experience I have Master Gardener training and have been gardening for over 25 years. I use organic and natural methods only. I live on 5 acres and have a large vegetable garden, as well as orchard, grapevines and berries.
Question I planted green bell peppers for the first time last spring. There was little to no growth until mid-August. Although I have quite a few green peppers about 1 to 2 inches in growth, I have discovered several of the larger ones turning black. Why is this happening and are they edible or do they need to be put into the compost pile?
Answer Dayna:
Are you sure it is black that they are turning? All bell peppers are green when they are UNripe. They will turn red, orange, purple or even brown when ripe, depending on the variety. Yours may just be getting ripe.
If they are soft and mushy, look like they have mold, are cracked or oozing liquid, then they are diseased and should be composted.
