Question
DearMike,
    I have this jalapeno plant I started from a seed. It lived on my porch all summer producing plenty of fruit. When fall arrived I moved the plant from the porch to my most sunny window, facing the morning sun. To my suprise it survived the New England fall, winter, and sping. Back on the porch it went, and another suprise - it blossomed and I had more peppers but not as many as the summer before. Well again fall is upon us and my jalapeno is still alive and producing. What kind of things can I do to ensure my beloved pepper survival; and how long can I expect to have it living with me? Also what can I do to increase its yield if it survives to see another summer?

           Thanks for your time, Cain  

Answer
Cain, peppers are considered annual plants, even though they can survive a mild winter.  However, their yield will decrease every subsequnt year they are planted.  After 2 or 3 years, they will not produce at all.  That is why farmers in the warmer region will pull the plants after the first year and plant new seedlings.  

My advice is to purchase new seedlings next spring, or start the plants by seed in late winter indoors.  Either way, your harvest will be much greater.

Have a great day.

Regards,

Mike