Growing Jalapenos in Borrego: Planting, Harvesting, and Cooking

Learn how to plant, grow and harvest Jalapenos in Borrego Springs, California desert. Discover 4 delicious jalapeno recipes, as well as the health benefits of jalapenos.

Planting Jalapenos in Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs, with its warm and sunny desert climate, is an ideal location for growing Jalapenos. Jalapenos are a type of chili pepper that can be grown in a variety of soil types and do well in warm climates. Here’s how to get started:

Steps to Planting Jalapenos

1. Choose a sunny location: Jalapenos need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day to grow properly.
2. Prepare the soil: Mix organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil to improve its fertility.
3. Plant the seeds: Plant Jalapeno seeds 1/4 inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge.
4. Provide support: Jalapeno plants can grow quite tall, so it may be helpful to provide a support system for them to climb on.
5. Water and fertilize: Water regularly and fertilize with a high-nitrogen fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.

Harvesting and Cooking with Jalapenos

Jalapenos are typically ready to harvest about 75-90 days after planting. They should be harvested when they are firm and dark green in color. Once harvested, you can use Jalapenos in a variety of dishes, such as:

1. Jalapeno Poppers: stuff jalapeno halves with cream cheese, wrap in bacon, and bake until crispy.
2. J alapeno Lime Guacamole: mash avocado, add diced jalapeno and lime juice, and season to taste.
3. Jalapeno Cream Sauce: sauté jalapenos, garlic, and onion in butter, add cream and chicken broth, simmer and blend until smooth.
4. Jalapeno and Cheddar Cornbread: mix jalapeno and cheddar cheese into cornbread mix before baking.

Health Benefits of Jalapenos

Jalapenos are a great source of vitamin C and other antioxidants that can help boost your immune system. They also contain capsaicin, a compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Jalapenos can also help with weight loss and digestion as they have minimal calories, yet can be very satisfying.

List of items needed for planting Jalapenos

• Jalapeno seeds
• Soil
• Organic matter (compost or well-rotted manure)
• Fertilizer
• Watering can
• Support system (stakes, cages, or trellis)
• Garden gloves

Growing Jalapenos in Borrego Springs is a great way to add some heat and flavor to your cooking while enjoying the health benefits. With minimal effort and care, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious Jalapenos all season long.