I suggest that you visit "Harvest" forum and post your question there.

There are 2 ways to pickle :

--- By BWB , method using vinegar to acidify. Adding salt, sugar in this case is just for flavoring.

--- Fermenting: This is an age old way to pickle. No vinegar is needed. Just whatever you are pickling ( pepper, cucumber, etc) plus salt. Herbs and spices are optional. This is a natural process in which some bacterial action produces lactic acid (like in yogurt) that preserves .
Check Harvest forum for detailed instructions and help.

Seysonn

This year I picked jalapeno rings and used a vinegar brine and added garlic, salt and sugar. They came out delicious and I like them better than the store bought ones. YMMV though as tastes differ from person to person.

You can also pickle like Mejicanos do, with lime/lemon/orange or other fruit juices.

Lay off the vinegar, it's usually pretty boring.

I am often disappointed with the bland taste of pickled jalapenos. You might try Conchas which has good flavor, but not a lot of heat. I haven't found a jalapeno I like with good flavor and high heat. For higher heat I prefer some of the Fresno varieties instead; they also have good flavor.
Renais