Croatian gardeners boost pepper and tomato yields with simple pruning and fertiliser tips

Experienced gardeners in Croatia advise that regularly harvesting ripe peppers prevents the plant from diverting energy to seed production and encourages continuous flowering and fruiting. They recommend checking plants every three to five days during hot weather, providing even moisture without waterlogging, mulching with grass or straw, and using potassium‑rich fertiliser while limiting nitrogen to avoid excess foliage.

For tomatoes, the same experts suggest adding potassium‑rich solutions such as liquid fertiliser, nettle extracts, gavez (a potassium‑rich herb), or small amounts of wood ash to the watering water. Compost tea is also recommended for overall soil health. They caution against unproven additives like baking soda or milk, and stress the importance of adequate sunlight, early‑morning or evening watering, good drainage, pruning of excess foliage, staking, and timely disease protection.