FTF PlantMasters Grow Guide – Savannah Style

For Cody & the Kids

Sweet Bell Peppers & Burpee Cucumbers

Planted with Love – Grown with Patience

Planting Timeline & Growth Stages

Day 1: Planting Day

• Pick a sunny spot.

• Plant cucumbers 1 inch deep, 12–18 inches apart.

• Plant bell peppers ¼ inch deep, 18–24 inches apart.

• Water gently until soil is moist.

Days 2–4: Water & Watch

• Keep soil moist.

• No sprouts yet—this is just prep time.

• Let the kids check and “guard” the garden daily.

Days 5–10: Cucumber Sprouts Arrive

• Cucumbers should start peeking out!

• Light green sprouts mean you’re on track.

• Celebrate the first one—take a picture!

Days 7–14: Bell Pepper Sprouts Arrive

• Peppers are slow starters—don’t worry.

• You might see small sprouts by the end of Week 2.

• Make sure the kids know they didn’t mess up!

Week 3–4: True Leaves & Fast Growth (Cucumbers)

• Cucumbers take off now—vines will start reaching.

• If you have sticks or cages, let them climb!

• Start watering every 2–3 days or when soil feels dry.

Week 4–5: Peppers Get Stronger

• Bell peppers get taller and bushier.

• Don’t overwater—moist soil, not wet.

Week 6–9: Flowers Begin

• Cucumber plants may bloom first—little yellow flowers = cucumbers soon!

• Peppers will start growing white flowers too.

Week 7–10: First Harvest (Cucumbers)

• Pick cucumbers when they’re 6–8 inches long.

• Let the kids taste one straight off the vine—it hits different.

Week 10–13: Bell Pepper Harvest Begins

• They’ll start out green, but you can leave them to turn red, yellow, or orange.

• Pick when they’re shiny and firm.

Troubleshooting Cheat Sheet

-Problem

?What It Looks Like

!Fix

-Yellow Leaves

?Too much water

!Let soil dry a day or two before watering again

-No Sprouts After 14 Days

?Dry soil or bad seed

!Replant a couple of seeds, keep moist

-Droopy Plants in Heat

?Leaves wilting midday

!Water in the morning, add shade if needed

-Bugs on Leaves

?Holes, webbing, or sticky stuff

!Spray with soapy water or neem oil (safe for kids too)

-Leaves Turning Pale or Slow Growth

?Not enough sun

!Move pots or trim nearby plants to give them light

Bonus Tip for Cody

If they grow too fast, you can re-pot or move them to the ground. Don’t be afraid to adapt—this whole journey is about learning with your kids.

FTF Means: Plant it. Protect it. Pass it on.

Much love from Malcolm

FaceThyFear | FTF PlantMasters