Can Peppers and Tomatoes Plants Be Stored Together?

Peppers and tomatoes are two of the most popular vegetables to grow and consume. But, can they be stored together? The answer is yes, but it's essential to understand the optimal conditions for each plant and how to store them correctly if you want to maximize their shelf life.

Optimal Growing Conditions for Peppers and Tomatoes

For peppers and tomatoes to grow successfully, they need specific conditions. Both plants require a lot of sunlight, plenty of water, and fertile soil. However, peppers require slightly warmer temperatures than tomatoes, requiring a soil temperature of at least 60°F to germinate, while tomato seeds germinate in soil temperatures as low as 50°F. Therefore, it's vital to plant them at the optimal time of the year, depending on your location and climate.

How to Store Peppers and Tomatoes Together

When it comes to storing peppers and tomatoes, they have slightly different requirements. The best way to store them is to separate them and avoid touching each other. Peppers ripen from the inside out, while tomatoes ripen from the outside in. If you store them together, the peppers will start to soften and rot faster due to the Ethylene gas that tomatoes produce as they ripen. Therefore, it's crucial to store them separately, either in the fridge or at room temperature.

Storing Peppers

If you're storing peppers in the fridge, store them in a paper bag, not plastic. Plastic bags trap moisture, which can cause the peppers to rot faster. On the other hand, paper bags allow air to circulate, keeping the peppers dry and fresh. If you plan to eat your peppers within a few days, you can also store them at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Just make sure to keep them away from any ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables, like apples or bananas.

Storing Tomatoes

Tomatoes are sensitive to cold temperatures, so it's best to store them at room temperature. However, they should be kept away from direct sunlight, as this can cause them to ripen too fast and spoil. If your tomatoes are ripe or nearly ripe when you buy them, store them on your counter at room temperature. If they're not quite ripe yet, storing them near a banana or apple can help speed up the ripening process. Once they're ripe, you can move them to the fridge to extend their shelf life by a few more days.

The Bottom Line

Peppers and tomatoes can be stored together, but it's essential to store them separately to maximize their shelf life. Peppers require slightly warmer temperatures to grow and ripen and should be stored in paper bags. Tomatoes, on the other hand, should be stored at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. If you follow these guidelines, you can enjoy fresh, tasty peppers and tomatoes for longer and reduce waste.

Remember, growing and storing peppers and tomatoes requires proper conditions and care. For optimal results, make sure you plant them at the optimal time, provide them with plenty of sunlight and water, and store them correctly, and they will reward you with a plentiful harvest!