Prep your garden soil. Neither plant is going to grow or produce a bountiful harvest if they are grown in poor soil. Aim for a slightly acidic pH level of 6 to 7 and plenty of organic matter to provide nutrients.
Don't overcrowd. If you are planting in containers, add only one plant to each 10-gallon container. In the garden, give each plant a 2-foot clearance on all sides.
Skip the sprinklers. Neither vegetable benefits from frequent overhead watering that can lead to diseased foliage. Water by hand at the soil level or use drip irrigation to make sure the moisture is reaching the root systems where it is needed.
Add some support. Most varieties of tomatoes and peppers will benefit from a support system of cages, trellises, or stakes in the garden. Allowing the plants to sprawl or fall over will damage fruit and block the sun for other plants.
Feed to keep them healthy. These are fast-growing, heavy feeders that require plenty of nutrients to produce vegetables. Side-dress with fertilizer when fruits first form.
6 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Limiting air flow. If you've planted seedlings too close, air flow and growing space become limited which could lead to disease and rot. You can help the situation by pruning away the bottom leaves and suckers on tomato plants to increase air circulation.
Planting too soon. Everyone is eager to plant a garden on the first warm spring day, but planting before the chance of a late spring frost has passed will stunt or kill your peppers and tomatoes.
Selecting the wrong planting location. Both plants need full sun to thrive, so make sure you account for shadows of fully grown plants.
Not planting disease-resistant varieties. Whether you start your plants from seeds or purchase seedlings, look for disease-resistant varieties if possible.
Forgetting to rotate crops. Pests and diseases can build up in the soil near plants, so rotating the locations where annual vegetables are planted can reduce pest and disease problems.
Not harvesting regularly. Peppers and tomatoes mature quickly, so you should check the garden every day. Leaving overripe fruit on the plant reduces production and invites pests (including rabbits) into the garden to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
