Tantrika: I grow peppers on 12" spacing, so the leaves touch at maturity. Peppers are laid out in a triangle, like this: x x x x x This shades the soil, keeps the soil cool, slows evaporation from the soil, and reduces the growth of weeds. The system is bio-intensive, and based on the work of John Jeavons and others. I also mulch my peppers when they are older - preferably with aged, shredded wood. Hope this helps! Robert.