Rafael Peña

Rafael Peña

Growing Guide Author & Master Gardener
1 articles

Why you should trust me: I hold a Master Gardener certification from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and have been growing peppers seriously for 12 years. Our trial garden spans 2,000 square feet with 80+ varieties each season, across raised beds, containers, and in-ground plots. Every growing tip on this site has been tested in at least two soil types and two climate conditions before I sign off on it.

What I grow every season: Everything from Anaheims and poblanos for the kitchen to superhots for the seed-saving program. This year I'm trialing 15 new varieties including some rare Capsicum pubescens that I sourced from a grower in Cusco, Peru.

Favorite thing about this job: Watching first-time growers nail their first superhot harvest. The messages we get from readers who grew their first ghost pepper from our guide — that's why I write.

Least favorite part: Aphids. Every spring without fail. I've tried every organic control method known to science. Ladybugs are overrated. Neem oil is king.

Master Gardener certified (Texas A&M) 2000 sq ft trial garden 80+ varieties per season Former commercial tomato grower
Expertise: Pepper cultivation Soil science Seed starting Organic pest control Climate adaptation

Qualifications & Background

  • 🎓 Master Gardener Certification, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension (2012); B.S. Plant Science, New Mexico State University (2011)
  • 📜 Texas Master Gardener (TMG); Certified Crop Advisor (CCA); Organic Land Care Professional (OLCP)
  • ⏱️ 13 years of professional experience
  • 🏆 Master Gardener of Excellence — Texas Master Gardener Association (2020)
  • 🏆 Outstanding Extension Impact Award — Texas A&M AgriLife (2019)

Publications & Media Features

Selected Publications

Media Mentions

  • 📰 Farm Flavor
    "Growers Spice Up the Local Food Scene With Hot Peppers" (Aug 2023) — Read feature →
  • 📰 UMass Extension
    "Peppers: Growing Tips and Techniques" (May 2022) — Read feature →
💼 LinkedIn

Guides by Rafael Peña

Growing Guide
How to Grow Peppers from Seed
Growing peppers from seed indoors and outdoors. Germination, transplanting, and harvest.
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