Organic Control for Tomato Hornworms on PeppersTomato Hornworms are really big green caterpillars that can devastate your pepper garden. Giant brown moths lay pearl-like eggs on your pepper leaves, from which the monsters will hatch and start to eat voraciously. They can decimate all the leaves on a plant overnight. The best organic control might be picking the caterpillars off the plants, but by then it could be too late to save your plants. Also, touching and pulling them off is gross, but depending on how mad you are, you won’t mind! ...
Pepper Plant CompanionsWondering what to plant with your chile peppers to help them thrive? Flowers, chives, carrots, radishes, squash, basil, parsley, dill, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, cucumbers, eggplant, and onions all do well when grown in close proximity to peppers. But don't plant them too close that they will shade your pepper plants: Squash and cucumbers, for example, need ample space so we plant them at least 3-4' away from our pepper patch. You can also use trellises for your cucumbers to grow th...
Benefits of GardeningGardening offers a wide range of benefits including: Nutritious Food & Improved Diet: Freshly harvested vegetables have more nutrients than those that have traveled miles and days/weeks to get to the store. Your tastebuds know it too: a homegrown heirloom tomato always tastes way more amazing and complex than any store-bought tomatoes, especially when fresh-picked and still warm from the sun. When you garden, you can grow specialty peppers that are packed with flavor that you'd neve...
Low Water VegetablesWondering what are the best low water vegetables to grow? Here are a few of our suggestions along with tips for conserving water in your garden. #1 Favorite Low Water Vegetables: Peppers* Peppers need less water than many other vegetables. As tropical plants, they thrive in warm, well-draining soil and don't mind it drying out slightly between watering. The famous New Mexico Chiles are grown annually in the dry regions of Hatch Valley and Chimayó regions of New Mexico, and the Pueblo Ch...
Easy Seeds to PlantChiles are awesome, but don't stop there! There are plenty of easy seeds to plant in your garden that will round out your dinner table. We'll mention Pozole a lot below... that's because it's so delicious! Pozole is a traditional, hearty Mexican stew made with hominy (large, dried corn kernels) and meat, typically it is made with pork or chicken but we make it vegetarian with potatoes/sweet potatoes/squash or other veggies, all cooked in a flavorful broth. It comes in three m...
Is it ok to reuse potting soil? Here are our Tips for reusing potting soil in pots for growing peppers.Recent customer question:“HELP! I garden in containers and have a nice amount of soil left from growing peppers this past year. I would like to revitalize the soil to use next year for my peppers and tomatoes. I plan on adding new soil too, but what nutrients would you suggest adding?” Answer: Yes, you can reuse potting soil for growing peppers, but it must be amended to replenish nutrients and structure. To replenish the soil, it's good to mix in some slow-release organic fertilizers, wo...
Trap Crops: Overwintered Cabbage acts as a Beneficial Insect NurseryWhat is a trap crop? A trap crop is a sacrificial plant species, or a specific variety, planted strategically to attract insects and pests away from other crops. Attract & Support Beneficial Insects with Overwintered Brassicas: Did you know that overwintered cabbage and other brassicas like broccoli and kale can act as a trap crop and a nursery for beneficial insects? Brassicas will attract pests, especially aphids when they go into flowering mode at the end of the season, and when left i...
Free FertilizerOn a budget? Make your own fertilizer for your garden vegetables. Fertilizer isn't inexpensive, and it is getting more expensive every year. And organic fertilizers, which we use, cost even more! But you can create your own organic fertilizer, in fact, you may already be making fertilizer in your kitchen and you don't realize it! Do you make mashed potatoes? Skip the salt when cooking and use the water for your garden! The cooled (unsalted) water used for boiling potatoes is a highly...
World Wildlife DayHappy World Wildlife Day! Want to support more wildlife in your garden? Grow a diverse range of flowering herbs and vegetables to attract lots of wildlife like birds, pollinators and beneficial insects to help naturally with pest control. Check out our Pollinator Garden Seed Bundle for an easy way to get started.Expand your culinary journey and wildlife-supporting garden with our Pollinator Seeds Garden Bundle, featuring six must-have pollinator flowers: Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Oregano, Scarle...
Is it cheaper to grow your own herbs?Yes, it's cheaper to grow many of your own herbs! Growing your own herbs almost always pays off in the long run. Sure, there is an initial investment in seeds or starts, soil, and containers, but the savings quickly add up, especially for frequently used varieties like basil, cilantro, and mint. A single packet of seeds can produce months of fresh herbs for the cost of just a few store-bought bunches, minimizing waste and ensuring a steady, organic supply right at home. And, many herbs ar...
Why Join a Community Garden?Why Join a Community Garden?There are so many great reasons! Joining a community garden is a way to grow fresh food, meet neighbors, and improve your mental and physical well‑being, especially if you lack your own yard or growing space. Many people also join because gardens make neighborhoods greener, safer, and more connected. There is nothing better than sharing seeds, seedlings, harvests and growing tips and experiences with others! Here are some of the benefits: Benefits of Joining a Comm...
Growing Peppers in ColoradoThere are many different growing zones in Colorado, and you can grow peppers in any areas that you can grow tomatoes and other veggies! For Colorado gardeners, starting peppers indoors is a must with short season gardening, we recommend starting your pepper seeds at least 6-8 weeks before mid-to-late May when you will transplant them into the garden. Use a seedling heat mat to keep the pepper seeds warm during germination, they like to germinate around 80˚F! Choose short season peppers for...
How to grow Jalapenos from SeedsFind our top 12 tips for How to grow Jalapenos from Seeds below: 1. Use fresh, high quality Jalapeño seeds:In recent years, jalapeño seeds have experienced what many are calling "Peppergate" – which meant that the seeds did not grow true to seed. Many people who purchased Jalapeno seeds from even some major seed companies experienced that the seeds grew into Banana Peppers. Not that Banana Peppers aren't also delicious, but they are certainly NOT Jalapeños and they didn't ...
October Gardening TipsHappy October! Here are some of our top tips for October Gardening: 1. Harvest your Peppers (and other veggies)! Harvest your peppers and other summer vegetables like tomatoes, squash, zucchini, and eggplants. Did you know you can freeze fresh whole peppers or cored tomatoes for later use? Sometimes that's easier when they come in waves and you're short on time. October is also a great time to pick and roast your chiles to freeze or use right away – learn how to roast chile » 2. Ma...
August Gardening Tips1. Harvest your Peppers (and other veggies)!Simply harvesting your peppers and other summer vegetables like tomatoes, squash, zucchini, and eggplant can help them continue to produce more fruits over time. Harvesting will encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Does picking peppers make more grow? Yes, the more peppers you pick, the more peppers will continue growing on your plant! Keep harvesting peppers as soon as they are ripe and firm so you can grow more! Read more »2. How to know wh...
Squash Wilting?Why does my squash wilt? If your zucchini, pumpkin, squash or cucumber plants are wilting, it could be a few things: 1. Wilting squash during the Heat of the Day: The most common reason that pumpkin, cucumbers, zucchini and squash leaves wilt is that the cucurbita family has a low root-to-shoot ratio, meaning that they have a shallow root system that supports a very large mass of above ground vegetation. Because of this, during the dry heat of the sunniest part of the day, squash leaves...
Why are mushrooms growing in my vegetable garden?Why are there mushrooms growing in my pepper plant's soil? Do you have mushrooms growing in your pepper plant container or in the vegetable garden? If mushrooms are growing in your pots or in your garden, don't worry! They are actually a sign of good soil health, and it is perfectly normal. Mushrooms growing in your vegetable garden is even considered a sign of good luck in some areas of the world! Fungi are masters of the soil, and they can benefit your vegetable plants, it is a sign...
How to Grow Chilli PlantsChillies, chiles, peppers, whatever you want to call them, are easy to grow plants in any vegetable garden. They do like warm weather, so it is best to start them indoors 6-8 weeks before hardening them off and transplanting them outdoors. Chile plants do great in 5 gallon+ pots, and they also grow very well in the ground. Make sure they have well-draining soil, and amend it with homemade compost if possible to keep the plants healthy. Here our our Top 14 Tips on How to Grow Chilli Plants: ...
Seedling Damping Off - The cure!Wondering why seedlings are struggling?Why are seedlings leggy and weak?Why are seedlings wilting and dying? These are common questions gardeners have when starting seeds for their vegetable garden. Don't worry, there are solutions to all of these issues! The best solution is to provide air circulation and movement! Seedlings need exercise too, otherwise they get spindly and weak and can even get sick from an ailment called "Damping off." Often people think that their seedlin...
Sustainable Gardening - Our Top 12 Tips!Happy Earth Day Everyday! Gardening is a great way to be more sustainable. Growing your own food, herbs, and flowers for pollinators and wildlife is a great way to make a difference! Here are our top 12 Tips for Sustainable Gardening: 1. Compost: Recycling your food scraps, paper and yard debris is a great way to reuse and recycle all of that good stuff to turn it into what we call "Gardener's Gold." Compost helps feed your plants with natural nutrients all season long, and i...
So, as a life long BOC fan and an avid gardener who loves the quality of seeds I’ve always received from Sandia Seeds. I just had to have this shirt. It rocks! I ordered a couple more for some fellow BOC fans as well. Great quality and the graphic is outstanding!
I'm going to grow these every year, they are HOT!! They make great poppers and salsa. Very productive, easy to grow, quick germination and fast growing plants. Thank you for the stellar seeds.
I planted several cultivars from wholesale seed. These were prolific. See all that RED (and green)?!? Looking forward to harvesting in a few days. Thank You Sandia Seed!
I pretty much use Sandia seeds exclusively! A few years ago I just happened to order your Jalapeño M. To me it's the perfect Jalapeño! Really nice size! Perfect heat for what we like! Wonderful flavor with a meatyness that's perfect for many different uses! I make my own Sriracha so I wait for them to turn red. They're one of my base peppers for my sauce! I praise them to all my personal friends and to members of groups that I belong to!
Serrano Hidalgo Seeds fromSandia Seed produce even in the HOT drought of central Illinois this year! I love adding a little Mexican kick to my salsa but also tossing these on the grill! They have great flavor and produce all summer long!
I had looked high & low, and searched the web with many word combinations ‘looking’ specifically for my favorite chili, the Dynamite xx Hot… so I could grow my own. The peppers were sold in Colorado at select places during roasting season, but you couldn’t buy seeds for them… anywhere!
Finally, as luck and persistence would have it, I discovered Sandia Seed Company.
Thank you Sandia! I planted them and had a great crop this year. I plan on growing them every year as well as trying some of their other seeds,
There's just something fun about growing a jalapeno that is light enough in color that some people think it's a banana pepper. LOL! I picked these just for color variety, and I'm very pleased that my plants have been loaded with them all season! We donated about 50 lbs of mixed peppers this year from our garden and I still had enough to freeze some and can more jars of recipes than we'll probably be able to use before next season. All my peppers were from Sandia Seed Company. I've never had such great pepper production before using these seeds!!
This spinach germinated well, and produced way more spinach than I'd initially expected. It grew really well, was slow to bolt in the summer, and has a really nice mild flavor for salads or steamed.
This was my first time growing these and I will definitely be growing them from now on. Great germination and very sturdy plants that have withstood some really high winds. Huge long peppers that are excellent green or red, very easy to peel skin.
Growing these in Florida, (Recent transplant of NM).
Lovely peppers. Took a couple weeks is all and wow! I have several budding; 2 large enough to nickname. They're still in their infancy, but I can tell they are going to be great! Love the seeds!
Organic Control for Tomato Hornworms on Peppers
Tomato Hornworms are really big green caterpillars that can devastate your pepper garden. Giant brown moths lay pearl-like eggs on your pepper leaves, from which the monsters will hatch and start to eat voraciously. They can decimate all the leaves on a plant overnight. The best organic control might be picking the caterpillars off the plants, but by then it could be too late to save your plants. Also, touching and pulling them off is gross, but depending on how mad you are, you won’t mind! ...
Pepper Plant Companions
Wondering what to plant with your chile peppers to help them thrive? Flowers, chives, carrots, radishes, squash, basil, parsley, dill, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, cucumbers, eggplant, and onions all do well when grown in close proximity to peppers. But don't plant them too close that they will shade your pepper plants: Squash and cucumbers, for example, need ample space so we plant them at least 3-4' away from our pepper patch. You can also use trellises for your cucumbers to grow th...
Benefits of Gardening
Gardening offers a wide range of benefits including: Nutritious Food & Improved Diet: Freshly harvested vegetables have more nutrients than those that have traveled miles and days/weeks to get to the store. Your tastebuds know it too: a homegrown heirloom tomato always tastes way more amazing and complex than any store-bought tomatoes, especially when fresh-picked and still warm from the sun. When you garden, you can grow specialty peppers that are packed with flavor that you'd neve...
Low Water Vegetables
Wondering what are the best low water vegetables to grow? Here are a few of our suggestions along with tips for conserving water in your garden. #1 Favorite Low Water Vegetables: Peppers* Peppers need less water than many other vegetables. As tropical plants, they thrive in warm, well-draining soil and don't mind it drying out slightly between watering. The famous New Mexico Chiles are grown annually in the dry regions of Hatch Valley and Chimayó regions of New Mexico, and the Pueblo Ch...
Easy Seeds to Plant
Chiles are awesome, but don't stop there! There are plenty of easy seeds to plant in your garden that will round out your dinner table. We'll mention Pozole a lot below... that's because it's so delicious! Pozole is a traditional, hearty Mexican stew made with hominy (large, dried corn kernels) and meat, typically it is made with pork or chicken but we make it vegetarian with potatoes/sweet potatoes/squash or other veggies, all cooked in a flavorful broth. It comes in three m...
Is it ok to reuse potting soil? Here are our Tips for reusing potting soil in pots for growing peppers.
Recent customer question:“HELP! I garden in containers and have a nice amount of soil left from growing peppers this past year. I would like to revitalize the soil to use next year for my peppers and tomatoes. I plan on adding new soil too, but what nutrients would you suggest adding?” Answer: Yes, you can reuse potting soil for growing peppers, but it must be amended to replenish nutrients and structure. To replenish the soil, it's good to mix in some slow-release organic fertilizers, wo...
Trap Crops: Overwintered Cabbage acts as a Beneficial Insect Nursery
What is a trap crop? A trap crop is a sacrificial plant species, or a specific variety, planted strategically to attract insects and pests away from other crops. Attract & Support Beneficial Insects with Overwintered Brassicas: Did you know that overwintered cabbage and other brassicas like broccoli and kale can act as a trap crop and a nursery for beneficial insects? Brassicas will attract pests, especially aphids when they go into flowering mode at the end of the season, and when left i...
Free Fertilizer
On a budget? Make your own fertilizer for your garden vegetables. Fertilizer isn't inexpensive, and it is getting more expensive every year. And organic fertilizers, which we use, cost even more! But you can create your own organic fertilizer, in fact, you may already be making fertilizer in your kitchen and you don't realize it! Do you make mashed potatoes? Skip the salt when cooking and use the water for your garden! The cooled (unsalted) water used for boiling potatoes is a highly...
World Wildlife Day
Happy World Wildlife Day! Want to support more wildlife in your garden? Grow a diverse range of flowering herbs and vegetables to attract lots of wildlife like birds, pollinators and beneficial insects to help naturally with pest control. Check out our Pollinator Garden Seed Bundle for an easy way to get started.Expand your culinary journey and wildlife-supporting garden with our Pollinator Seeds Garden Bundle, featuring six must-have pollinator flowers: Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Oregano, Scarle...
Is it cheaper to grow your own herbs?
Yes, it's cheaper to grow many of your own herbs! Growing your own herbs almost always pays off in the long run. Sure, there is an initial investment in seeds or starts, soil, and containers, but the savings quickly add up, especially for frequently used varieties like basil, cilantro, and mint. A single packet of seeds can produce months of fresh herbs for the cost of just a few store-bought bunches, minimizing waste and ensuring a steady, organic supply right at home. And, many herbs ar...
Why Join a Community Garden?
Why Join a Community Garden?There are so many great reasons! Joining a community garden is a way to grow fresh food, meet neighbors, and improve your mental and physical well‑being, especially if you lack your own yard or growing space. Many people also join because gardens make neighborhoods greener, safer, and more connected. There is nothing better than sharing seeds, seedlings, harvests and growing tips and experiences with others! Here are some of the benefits: Benefits of Joining a Comm...
Growing Peppers in Colorado
There are many different growing zones in Colorado, and you can grow peppers in any areas that you can grow tomatoes and other veggies! For Colorado gardeners, starting peppers indoors is a must with short season gardening, we recommend starting your pepper seeds at least 6-8 weeks before mid-to-late May when you will transplant them into the garden. Use a seedling heat mat to keep the pepper seeds warm during germination, they like to germinate around 80˚F! Choose short season peppers for...
How to grow Jalapenos from Seeds
Find our top 12 tips for How to grow Jalapenos from Seeds below: 1. Use fresh, high quality Jalapeño seeds:In recent years, jalapeño seeds have experienced what many are calling "Peppergate" – which meant that the seeds did not grow true to seed. Many people who purchased Jalapeno seeds from even some major seed companies experienced that the seeds grew into Banana Peppers. Not that Banana Peppers aren't also delicious, but they are certainly NOT Jalapeños and they didn't ...
October Gardening Tips
Happy October! Here are some of our top tips for October Gardening: 1. Harvest your Peppers (and other veggies)! Harvest your peppers and other summer vegetables like tomatoes, squash, zucchini, and eggplants. Did you know you can freeze fresh whole peppers or cored tomatoes for later use? Sometimes that's easier when they come in waves and you're short on time. October is also a great time to pick and roast your chiles to freeze or use right away – learn how to roast chile » 2. Ma...
August Gardening Tips
1. Harvest your Peppers (and other veggies)!Simply harvesting your peppers and other summer vegetables like tomatoes, squash, zucchini, and eggplant can help them continue to produce more fruits over time. Harvesting will encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Does picking peppers make more grow? Yes, the more peppers you pick, the more peppers will continue growing on your plant! Keep harvesting peppers as soon as they are ripe and firm so you can grow more! Read more »2. How to know wh...
Squash Wilting?
Why does my squash wilt? If your zucchini, pumpkin, squash or cucumber plants are wilting, it could be a few things: 1. Wilting squash during the Heat of the Day: The most common reason that pumpkin, cucumbers, zucchini and squash leaves wilt is that the cucurbita family has a low root-to-shoot ratio, meaning that they have a shallow root system that supports a very large mass of above ground vegetation. Because of this, during the dry heat of the sunniest part of the day, squash leaves...
Why are mushrooms growing in my vegetable garden?
Why are there mushrooms growing in my pepper plant's soil? Do you have mushrooms growing in your pepper plant container or in the vegetable garden? If mushrooms are growing in your pots or in your garden, don't worry! They are actually a sign of good soil health, and it is perfectly normal. Mushrooms growing in your vegetable garden is even considered a sign of good luck in some areas of the world! Fungi are masters of the soil, and they can benefit your vegetable plants, it is a sign...
How to Grow Chilli Plants
Chillies, chiles, peppers, whatever you want to call them, are easy to grow plants in any vegetable garden. They do like warm weather, so it is best to start them indoors 6-8 weeks before hardening them off and transplanting them outdoors. Chile plants do great in 5 gallon+ pots, and they also grow very well in the ground. Make sure they have well-draining soil, and amend it with homemade compost if possible to keep the plants healthy. Here our our Top 14 Tips on How to Grow Chilli Plants: ...
Seedling Damping Off - The cure!
Wondering why seedlings are struggling?Why are seedlings leggy and weak?Why are seedlings wilting and dying? These are common questions gardeners have when starting seeds for their vegetable garden. Don't worry, there are solutions to all of these issues! The best solution is to provide air circulation and movement! Seedlings need exercise too, otherwise they get spindly and weak and can even get sick from an ailment called "Damping off." Often people think that their seedlin...
Sustainable Gardening - Our Top 12 Tips!
Happy Earth Day Everyday! Gardening is a great way to be more sustainable. Growing your own food, herbs, and flowers for pollinators and wildlife is a great way to make a difference! Here are our top 12 Tips for Sustainable Gardening: 1. Compost: Recycling your food scraps, paper and yard debris is a great way to reuse and recycle all of that good stuff to turn it into what we call "Gardener's Gold." Compost helps feed your plants with natural nutrients all season long, and i...
