Cause and Effect

                There are many different factors that go into raising a healthy pepper plant. Some of these factors include soil type, fertilizers, light received, water, and seed genetics. One must keep a watchful eye out for pests, diseases, and mold or fungus of any type. The list goes on and on, as there is not just one magic amendment that will grow a lush and healthy plant. It may seem like a lot that goes into raising a healthy plant, but if you can do a couple of basic things it is really not. Everything starts with your plants source of life, the soil.

               
               The soil is where your plant will start its life, and is where it will live its days out in. This key factor in your plants life could be the most important aspect of all. They drink and eat from the soil through their root system, which transfers the nutrients to the plant. If you have unhealthy soil that is low in organic matter and beneficial organisms, you will have unhealthy plants. The key to building a healthy soil is the return of organic matter and nutrients. The easiest way to do this is with the incorporation of compost into your garden soil. Compost is made of the decomposed remains of dead plants.  It is full of organic matter, and will help bring beneficial organisms to your soil. Other organic practices such as not using synthetic chemicals or fertilizers will also help maintain a healthy soil system.

                Synthetic chemicals and fertilizers are not only bad for your soil, but for the environment as a whole. They pollute the air, contaminate the water, and poison the soil that your plant depends on for its survival. Synthetic pesticides will kill all beneficial insects such as bees and worms, not just the unwanted pests. These beneficial insects are very important to your plants and the local eco-system, and are needed for a healthy plant. Synthetic fertilizers only add nutrients to the plant, and at very large unnatural rates. They do nothing to feed the soil. If you have healthy soil there is no need for the use of synthetic fertilizers. Soil is just one of the many factors that go into a healthy plant, but a very important one. Once you grow healthy soil, the plants will have no choice but to grow healthy as well.