[tippben]

My leeks are up, also my first salads, and broad beans are germinating. I was listening to gardener's question time on BBC radio 4 (I know, is mise Sassenach, but it's a goldmine) and somebody said to sow chilli seeds now.

I have seeds saved from last year, but the house/polytunnel rarely gets above 10 degrees c yet. Apparently they benefit from a long season, yet only grow at 20 celcius. Should i sow now indoors and chance it? Or is there a clever way of mimicing the tropics?

Last year, the tomatoes grew fabulously in the polytunnel, but we only got 20 ish sweet peppers. About the same amount of chillis, but I had a better crop the year before from a plant bought from Woodies, grown as a houseplant.

Any tps? They should hold true for sweet peppers, aubergines and tomatoes, so work away! It's my first full season growing in an Irish polytunnel! :)

[thechef]

have a chilli plant on the window get plenty from it all year round but it is in a warm spot cant see them growing outside thou

[Liz D]

my chilli plant died a death outside last summer, regardless of the sunny spot, warmth and regular watering. I would definitely keep it inside!

[56K Natas]

Had 2 types in the tunnel and I got loads of fruit off them, Never tried to grow them out side though