I start with 'ProMix' for all of my beds, and as each season starts I hit them with fish emulsion for a nitro burst and trifecta for nitrogen slow-release. The compost I have now has been acidified by pine needles, and my beds also catch tons of 'em each fall so the beds tend to have a higher acid content than I would like and that (plus the torrential rain we've been getting at the start of each season) has led to some less than desired results for crop - small plants, sparse foliage, half or less of fruit production. (just remember too much nitrogen will make for really bushy plants without a lot of anything else) Peppers are nightshades like tomatoes, so the soil could be very close for best results - nightshades can grow well in a pH from 5 to 6.5. I have the gear to test but never have, trial by error is how I have done it. I have planted most already, some in already existing beds with the same soil I have had, and some that have not been treated with my compost - I will measure one of each this year. Another thing to know is that superhots are a pain. Some years they yield so much I have no idea what to do with them and other times - like the last two years, I barely get a dozen and have to order fresh. Peppers don't like water per se, checking soil for dampness is like checking a cake for doneness - but instead of a toothpick, I use my index finger - plunge it down, pull it out, if the dirt sticks to you, it's fine, if it's clean it needs water. My poblanos are fruiting but my superhots are still taking their sweet time damn it.