Can You Plant Tomatoes and Peppers in July?

Summer is in full swing, and many gardeners are still looking to add tomatoes and peppers to their vegetable gardens. But is it too late to plant these summer favorites in July? The short answer is no, it's not too late. However, there are some important things to keep in mind when planting tomatoes and peppers in July.

Choose the Right Varieties

The first thing to consider is the type of tomatoes and peppers you want to grow. It's best to choose varieties that have a shorter growing season, which means they will be ready to harvest in around 70-80 days. This will give your plants enough time to mature and produce fruit before the first frost of the season.

For tomatoes, try planting early-ripening varieties like Early Girl, Fourth of July, and Stupice. These types of tomatoes can be planted as late as July and still produce fruit before the end of the season.

For peppers, look for varieties that mature quickly, like Early Jalapeno, Gypsy, and Northstar. These peppers can also be planted in July and should be ready to harvest in around 70 days.

Provide Plenty of Water

In the heat of summer, it's essential to provide your tomatoes and peppers with plenty of water. They need at least an inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. When you plant your tomatoes and peppers, make sure to water them thoroughly and deeply to help them establish their roots.

Once your plants are established, continue to water them deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is particularly hot and dry. Mulching around the base of the plants can also help to conserve moisture and keep the soil cool.

Protect Your Plants from Heat

Tomatoes and peppers love warm weather, but too much heat can be harmful to your plants. If the temperature climbs above 90°F, your plants may start to wilt, and the fruit may stop setting. To protect your plants, provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day. This can be done by using a shade cloth, or by planting your tomatoes and peppers near a taller plant that will provide some natural shade.

In addition to shade, it's important to make sure your plants are getting enough air circulation. If your garden is in a particularly hot and humid area, make sure to space your plants at least 2 feet apart to allow for good airflow and reduce the risk of disease.

Fertilize Your Plants Properly

Finally, it's important to fertilize your tomato and pepper plants properly to ensure they have the nutrients they need to grow and produce fruit. When you plant your tomatoes and peppers, mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to help enrich the soil.

As your plants grow, you can supplement with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 formula. However, be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive growth and reduced fruit production. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package, and avoid fertilizing during periods of hot, dry weather.

The Bottom Line

Planting tomatoes and peppers in July is definitely a possibility, but it does require some extra care and attention. Choose the right varieties, provide plenty of water and shade, and fertilize your plants properly. With a little bit of luck and some green thumb know-how, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, homegrown tomatoes and peppers in the late summer and early fall.