On this week’s Good to Grow, hosts Denise and Jan will talk about hot-weather veggies. The best time to start planning for your tomato gardening is in February. By March, you should have planted your tomato seeds for a successful crop by the 4th of July. Remember that tomatoes will not set fruit in temperatures above 92 degrees. There is a complete list in the learn tab section on the master gardeners website, all about tomatoes from this neck of the woods. For more information, click the following link: https://txmg.org/elpaso/learn/gardening-in-el-paso-articles/the-secret-to-growing-tomatoes-in-el-paso/
Chiles, on the other hand, like warmer soil, and you may already have them planted in your garden for the season. Chiles tend to start sprouting and fruit as the weather gets warmer. There are different kinds of Chile seeds you can buy. One of the stores mentioned in this episode is called NMSU Chile Pepper Institute, located at 113 New Mexico State Rd 101, Las Cruces, NM 88005.
Pro Tip: Your roma tomatoes are more susceptible to blossom end rot. Be very consistent with your watering program because blossom end rot can be caused by calcium deficiency and inconsistent watering.
Ready to make your garden pop this summer?
Join the Texas Master Gardeners for a morning full of inspiration at the Ascarate Teaching & Demonstration Garden! Tour the gardens this Saturday, June 6th, from 9:00AM to 12:00PM at 301 Many Martinez Senior Drive, across the parking lot. Explore summer crops, perennials, and learn about amending your garden beds. Come get your hands dirty and find some "Summer Superstar" inspiration!
The El Paso County Master Gardeners started in 1981 and has been growing with many volunteers and Master Gardeners ever since. The love of gardening and search for knowledge are primary reasons people join the program to become trained and certified Master Gardeners. Texas Master Gardeners are united in name, but the program’s strength lies in its ability to meet the diverse needs of the communities it serves.
Additonal Information/Links :
- Website: https://txmg.org/elpaso/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElPasoMasterGardeners/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epmastergardener/
This program originally aired on May 30, 2026.
