Cultivating Peppers and Melons with Care and Innovation

Summer is still in full swing on the farm, bringing with it a bounty of peppers and melons. Here’s how these crops thrive, their health benefits and why you need to take time to enjoy them while in season!

Peppers

Peppers, part of the nightshade family, are started as seeds in our greenhouses. Once the weather is warm enough, they are transplanted outdoors. We plant peppers throughout the season to ensure a steady supply for our markets and pick-your-own fields. Initially, peppers are planted on recyclable black plastic, which absorbs sunlight and provides nutrients to the plants’ undersides, aiding their growth. As the season progresses, we switch to recyclable white plastic, which reflects sunlight and helps prevent weed growth.

Plasticulture plays a vital role in our farming practices, significantly improving productivity and crop yield. By using recyclable plastic, we protect our crops from disease by keeping them off the soil, which reduces the risk of soil-borne pathogens. This method also ensures that our plants receive proper irrigation while safeguarding their roots from soil erosion during severe weather conditions.

This approach not only boosts the health and quality of our produce but also contributes to sustainable farming practices, allowing us to grow more robust and resilient crops throughout the season.

We grow 10 acres of peppers, offering 10 varieties, both hot and sweet, including:

• Bell Peppers
• Italian Roaster
• Jalapeño
• Cubanelle
• Banana Peppers
• Lunchbox Peppers
• Habanero
• Chili Peppers
• Long Hots

Health Benefits: Peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber, and may contribute to heart health, improved vision, and a stronger immune system.

Watermelons

Watermelons belong to the Cucurbitaceae plant family, which also includes cucumbers, squashes, pumpkins, and muskmelons. We grow over 4 acres of melons, with 7 varieties including:

• Sugar Baby
• Yellow Watermelon
• Yellow Seedless Watermelon
• Red Watermelon
• Red Seedless Watermelon
• Muskmelons

There’s a common misconception that seedless watermelons are GMO, but this is not the case. All of our fruits and vegetables are non-GMO, ensuring that our produce is natural and healthy.

Health Benefits: Watermelons are hydrating and packed with vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, which can help reduce inflammation and support heart health.

Growing in NJ’s Climate

Both peppers and watermelons thrive in New Jersey’s warm summer climate. Peppers benefit from the state’s long growing season and ample sunshine, which are crucial for their development. Watermelons, with their need for warm soil and consistent moisture, flourish during the hot summer months, particularly from August through September.

For inspiring recipe ideas featuring our farm’s produce, such as our Seven Layer Dip Reinvented, check out this recipe on our website.

Learn more about watermelons from Rebekah and Colin in this video.