Question
I live in South Carolina and I got a habanero plant in September.  I had it in a big pot outside.  I have picked all the peppers from the plant and i did bring it in a few days when it was cold out.  I have it now outside again.  It did get to much water one time from the rain.  i poured as much water as i could out and put it under my covered porch to dry out a little.  The leaves r a little wilty and falling off.  I am not sure what to do with the plant now.  If I can even keep it for it to grow more peppers next year or I need a new plant.  where do I keep the plant if I keep it to grow peppers next year. Please help.

Answer
Luci, peppers are an annual plant, meaning they only have a one year life cycle. Although they can be kept alive in warmer climates, providing there is no frost, they will not produce peppers of any size or quantity the second year.

Your best bet is to compost or discard the plant, and purchase a new one next spring. Just be sure to use a pot that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from saturating. Wet soil causes the roots to rot and the plant to potentially die. At the least, it will leech nutrients from the soil, resulting in a weaker plant with little or no production.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike