This year’s winter storms have been absolute doozies across the country, and even here in Florida we’ve seen colder, tougher weather than we’re used to. Still, that hasn’t stopped me from dreaming, planning, and counting down the days until planting season finally arrives. When you’re a gardener, hope springs eternal—no matter what the forecast says.
Earlier this season, I started a 162-cell tray of tomatoes and a 162-cell tray of peppers and tucked them into the greenhouse to get a head start. Unfortunately, when temperatures plunged into the low 20s (20–21°F was our coldest stretch), some of those seedlings got zapped. Cold damage is never fun, but the survivors are strong, and those are the ones that will move on to the garden once the weather truly breaks.
These are my tomato and pepper plants for the 2026 spring and summer garden—hardened by winter, still standing, and ready for what’s next.
Tomatoes:
Brandywine Red – Classic Large Slicer
Solar Flare – I like the skin of this one. It is super interesting!
Stupice – This is an experiment for me. It is good for northern climates but I got my hands on some seeds. So…We shall try!
Pink Fang – Baker Creek says that this is their favorite tasting paste tomato! That’s a good recommendation!
San Marzano – I love the taste of this paste tomato!
Eva Purple – This smallish tomato has a unique color tint. I’m excited to try it.
Costoluto Genovese – I have grown these in the past. Beautiful and delicious!
Mushroom Basket – New to me! Excited to see it’s shape in real life!
Rio Grande – New to me!
Floradade – I grew these last year! Perfect for our hot and humid climate. They were a great producer for me!
Super Sweet 100 – This is the only cherry I am growing. They produce like crazy and are really good!
Peppers:
Jimmy Nardelo – Sweetest pepper I have ever tasted. I love this one and it is ALWAYS in my garden!
Biquinho Red & Yellow – I planted many of these hot peppers but only one survived. Will it be red or yellow?
Carolina Wonder Red Bell – Gotta Have It!
Yolo Wonder Green Bell – Gotta Have It! Super producer!
Canary Bell – Gotta Have It!
Orange Sun Bell – Gotta Have It!
Red Cayenne – I use quite a bit of cayenne pepper throughout the year. Love making my own!
Craig’s Grande Jalapeno – We love a little heat and this big jalapeno is a fantastic producer!
Tiburon Poblano – All around good stuffer!
Banana – Grandkids love these!
Shishito – Have grown in the past but have not really experienced them yet. Hopefully this season!
Corno Di Toro Yellow – New to me this year!
As you can probably tell, my garden planting list is a little all over the place this year — but that’s what happens when half your plants decide not to survive. Gardening keeps you humble, doesn’t it? Still, I’m feeling confident that I’ll pull off a great harvest from the plants that made it. Sometimes the scrappiest gardens surprise you the most.
I’m especially excited about the tomatoes. I might try cloning a few tomato plants by pinching off the suckers and rooting them in water or soil to grow brand-new plants. It’s such a simple and budget-friendly way to multiply your tomato harvest! We’ll see how it goes — gardening is always one big experiment, and that’s half the fun.
