Transplant outdoors once the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are 60☏ and above. Harden plants off before transplanting outdoors. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-90☏. Sow eggplant seeds indoors eight to ten weeks (six at the latest) before the last frost date. Pepper plants tend to be self-supportive, but taller varieties and those with large, heavy fruit may need to be staked. Mature plants should be spaced 18-24″ apart in rows 2 -3′ apart. Black plastic or row covers can help speed up soil warming and plant growth. Transplant outdoors 2-3 weeks after the last frost, when the soil has warmed. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 65-85☏ and seeds will not germinate below 55☏. Sow pepper seeds indoors eight to ten weeks (six at the latest) before the last frost date. This is something a sunny window cannot provide in winter. Ideally we’ll expose our pepper and eggplant seeds to 16hrs a day of full spectrum light. The seeds don’t require light until they have germinated, but you’ll want to be ready to provide good light once they do. I use a heating pad to keep temperature sensitive seeds like peppers and eggplants warm, but sometimes the heat of a grow light can be sufficient or just a stable indoor room temperature (it may just take a little longer – see the chart above). I have my four packs in a tray which I can add water too without disturbing the seedlings, the water will wick up through the soil and encourage root development. I cover mine with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, you can also cover with plastic lids to trap in moisture and keep them warm (like a mini greenhouse). During germination they definitely don’t want to dry out. Seeds require water and temperature to germinate (and oxygen, so don’t drown them.).
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