I just started this year's garden. My mom and grandmother have wonderful gardens and lots of food to harvest, but every year something always happens to mine...
Bugs, too little water, traveling too much in my part, etc.
Anyway, we are trying to incorporate more veggies in our diet so I am trying to really make an effort this year.
I just planted 2 row of peppers, 2 rows of tomatoes, 4 rows of Alaskan peas from seed. No clue if they will sprout or not but the packets say I can plant them now.
Not sure what part of the Country you live in..........but some "tips" would apply most anywhere.
Tomatoes can be so rewarding to grow, and, so heartbreaking as well. In my experience, to achieve the best Harvest, you need to start in February by preparing the ground. Till the soil until it is very fine and loose. I always used 7/7/7 Fertilizer because it fed the plants well all Season, and was not so strong it would burn the plants should you add a wee bit too much. As well, tomatoes need lime.........I used granulated, but you can also use powdered. After tilling the ground, adding fertilizer and lime........till the ground again until both the fertilizer and lime are well mixed into the soil. Then water the plot to help start the process of the ground absorbing the fertilizer and lime.
As for planting, I never planted my tomatoes until AFTER Easter Sunday. And, depending on that particular Season, I might wait until May 1st to plant. Just depends on the growing season where you live.
It is important to tend your garden daily. If you don't do anything more than just go out and walk through it to see any evidence that it has been disturbed by animals or such. And/or to check for grass/weeds growing. Watering should be done either EARLY in the morning (before the sun is up too high) or LATE in the evening. Plants, like flowers, open up their pours late in the evening to absorb the dew that forms and collects on their leaves. Watering in the heat of the day can cause the plant leaves to burn, which will damage the plant, and could lead to disease.
Over watering is also a thread as it can lead to root rot. I can't give you an exact measurement of gallons, pints or such, you will have to learn this by trial and error I suppose. Let's just say you do not want to water any plant to the point that it is in a swamp like state!
I would make sure the leaves of my tomato plants were good and wet, then water the base of the plant just enough to where the water began to puddle just a wee bit around the stalk. IF you water daily, it doesn't require as much watering...........and, if it rains a good soaking rain, do not water until the soil has absorbed all of the rain water. You can dig down about 2 to 3 inches, and if the soil still has moisture, then you can wait to water until the soil is dry.
Bugs and disease love tomato plants.......I used Sevin Dust to protect my plants........just follow the directions..........you can go on line and find out loads of information tips on how to grow the particular type of tomato you are planting also. I always planted Better Boys and Lemon Boys...........loved those, and they are very good for Canning.
Peppers (jalapeno and cayenne) usually only require fertilization one time just before planting..........and then, just be sure they receive some water if it gets too hot and dry. DO NOT overwater them! They naturally grow in warm, arid climates, so they do not need as much tending as tomatoes or other veggies. Bugs don't like them, so they are good about producing, and usually two of each plants will yield enough peppers for a family of 4 to 6 people. They are great for Canning as well.
Back to tomatoes.............I would keep an eye on my plants, and after about 4 to 5 weeks of growth, I would re-till the ground around them, mix in a bit of fertilizer and just a wee bit of lime and water good. Do not fertilize/lime the plants when it nears time for the Harvest..........at least 4 weeks prior to Harvest........
There is a wealth of information online you can read...........just search the plant you are planting.......and ask about fertilizing, tending, watering, whatever........
Couple of examples that deal with using lime on tomato plants
Lime for Tomato Plants | Garden Guides
How to Apply Lime to Tomato Plants | Home Guides | SF Gate