Colorado Springs homeowners with vegetable gardens are facing another hot weekend, making it the perfect time to harvest the last of this season’s pepper crop. As temperatures climb, peppers left on the vine can quickly become stressed, reducing both flavor and nutritional value. Gardeners are encouraged to pick mature peppers now and preserve them for later use.

Why Harvest Now?

Peppers thrive in warm weather, but extreme heat can cause them to wilt, split, or become overly soft. By removing the fruit while it is still firm and healthy, gardeners protect their plants from further stress and set the stage for a more productive second planting later in the season.

Simple Freezing Method

Freezing is an easy, low‑cost way to keep peppers ready for sauces, soups, and salsas throughout the winter months. Follow these steps:

• Wash the peppers thoroughly and pat them dry.
• Remove stems and slice or leave whole, depending on your intended use.
• Lay the pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for several hours until solid.
• Transfer the frozen peppers to airtight freezer bags or containers, label with the date, and store in the freezer for up to six months.

Creative Uses for Preserved Peppers

Once frozen, peppers can be tossed directly into simmering soups, stews, or chili without thawing. They also make a quick addition to homemade salsa, marinades, or roasted vegetable mixes. For a fresh‑tasting salsa, blend frozen pepper pieces with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.

Local Resources

Colorado Springs residents can find additional gardening tips and seasonal planting calendars at the Colorado Springs Extension office or through local garden clubs. Many community centers also host workshops on preserving garden harvests, offering hands‑on demonstrations of freezing, canning, and drying techniques.

Stay Informed

For ongoing updates on weather, gardening advice, and local events, follow the KRDO13 app or visit the station’s website. Staying prepared for the heat helps keep gardens productive and families well‑fed throughout the summer.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.