Agricultural activity is essentially a process of long-term investment. Where is this investment’s greatest advantage in the form of increased farm fertility.In the long run, red chili plants can grow well when agricultural land is fertile. In addition to fertile soil, the red chili plants become efficient in absorbing the available nutrients in the soil, the result is that the plants become strong and not easily attacked by pests and diseases.
From here it is possible to eliminate the use of synthetic pesticides, fungicides and chemical fertilizers. In order to make production costs small, it is possible to maximize the benefits obtained from the red chilli harvest sale at the end.
Here Easy Tips to Plant Red Chili in a Home Garden :
Quality Red Chili Seeds
The determinant of success in growing red chilies starts with the use of seeds of quality. This is a disease-free seed and the Ministry of Agriculture has given a certificate of eligibility and health.
There are currently a lot of certified red chilli seed brands that can be sold in farm shops and online stores. Beginning with the Red Arrows brand, Known You Seed, Pertiwi, Jawara, and Permata Baru. Two types, curly red chili (CMK) and large red chili (CMB), are the styles themselves.
Then use seedtray for 3-4 weeks to conduct nurseries. A mixture of manure and roasted husk or cocpeat in a ratio of 1:1 is the plantation medium used. Later, after the seedlings are old enough, transplant with a spacing of 50 x 50 cm in the rearing land or polybag.
Use Organic Fertilizer
Soil is home to various types of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, nematodes, and protozoa, as we already know. Where the main food is the form of organic materials such as crop residues, dung from livestock and carcasses from animals. Which is going to be overhauled to become an important soil fertility compound.
These microorganisms can also break down synthetic chemicals and heavy metals in order to improve their existence on polluted soils. In providing food and protecting each other from different types of disease, plants and micro-organisms will be symbiotic.
Okay, measures that can be taken to improve the soil’s fertility where red chilies can grow include:
- Add 30-50 tons / ha goat manure or 2-4 kg / plant manure. Repeat the application of manure with a dose of 500gr / plant every 4 months if necessary.
- Using Nitrobacter, nitrosomonas and mycorrhizal fungi containing 30-50 kg / ha or 1-2 grams / plant.
In the meantime, it is easier to use the following natural ingredients to meet the needs of macro nutrients:
- Source N: Leak chili plants every 2 weeks using diluted rabbit fermentation with a ratio of 1:10 to 250ml/plant.
- Source P: Add bone meal, measuring 100-250gr / plant, to be mixed with soil. It should be repeated every 3 months to give bone meal.
- Source K: Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons / plant ash from wood burning or rice straw.
Use Rice Straw Mulch
Rice straw’s main function can be compared to a house’s roof. This protects the soil while keeping it moist from the sun’s heat. Compared to plastic mulch, the main advantages of rice straw include: being able to absorb more water, maintain air circulation in the soil and being a source of organic material.
The growth of weeds or weeds that can interfere with the growth of red chili plants can be prevented in addition to rice straw. Microorganisms, especially fungi, also prefer the high fiber content. The fungus composting process of rice straw will later produce side products in the form of phosphorus and potassium that can be absorbed by plant roots.
Choose the Right Time To Plant
If the red chili plants have been treated for 3 months, don’t you want it, but then the sale price is low during harvest? Therefore, on time, plant chili. Given the rising trend of red chili prices in previous years, you should resolve this. In 2017 and 2018, for example, the price of red chillies started to increase from February to June.
For this reason, at least in October or at the end of the dry season, red pepper growers do.
It should be remembered, however, that it is difficult to predict the price of red chili and can fall in a matter of days. But don’t worry, chili plants can last a long time with good and safe planting techniques, even reaching 1-2 years. Substantial profits will be created by planting red chilies in the right way.