An Investigation was initiated to examine the feasibility of using catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) pond sediment, or pond mud, as a growing medium by examining the growth and plant nutrient content of bell pepper (Capsicum annuumL.) grown in pond mud and in a field soil. Analysis of the two media indicated that pond mud contained relatively high levels of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), and had a high base saturation percentage. Phosphorus (P), potassium (K), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) levels in pond mud were comparable to those in the field soil. The organic matter level of pond sediments was lower than that of the field soil; however, pepper uptake of nitrogen (N) was greater in the pond mud. Tissue dry weights of peppers in the field soil increased in a linear manner in response to increasing rates of fertilizer N. Fruit dry weights of peppers in pond mud, however, did not increase at N rates in excess of 84 kg/ha. There appear to be no elements at phytotoxic levels in catfish pond sediments, and pond mud was found to be quite satisfactory as a growing medium.