• Tomatoes thrive in Georgia's subtropical climate.tomatoes image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com
  
  Known as a capital for peach and peanut crops, central Georgia has a humid, sub-tropical climate and boasts excellent growing conditions. The soil can be nutrient-poor, due to the red clay that results from its proximity to the Appalachian Mountains. Local gardeners augment the soil with several inches of organic mulch before planting a vegetable garden. Mid-Georgia falls in USDA hardiness zone 8, and has a prolonged growing season. Plant warm-weather crops in early April.
  
  

Tomatoes

• Tomatoes--especially Big Boy, Early Girl and Brandywine hybrids--thrive in Georgia's warm climate. Popular heirloom options for the mid-Georgia area include Aunt Gertie's Gold and Black Cherry. Before planting tomatoes, add compost or organic matter to the clay soil at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches. Plant all tomato hybrids in bright, direct sunlight, at least 2 feet apart. They'll grow quickly, so chances are you'll need to stake or cage them as they grow. Add mulch throughout the growing season. On especially hot summer days, water them first them in the morning and give them a long weekly soak.
  
  

Summer Squash

• Summer squash is a tender, warm-season vegetable that thrives in hot weather. Recommended varieties for mid-Georgia's steamy climate include scallop or patty pan varieties, including Peter Pan and Sunburst; yellow crookneck, such as Goldbar and Sundance; and disease-resistant zucchini hybrids, including Black, Golden and Embassy. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil once the threat of frost has passed. Mulch plants to help retain moisture often and pick vegetables when fruit is small so it doesn't get a chance to harden. In mid-Georgia, summer squash generally produces abundant produce and can yield successive early and late-season harvests.
  
  

Bell Peppers

• Bell peppers in an array of colors thrive in mid-Georgia's climate. Since bell peppers are originally from the tropics, they tolerate the summer heat without any problem. Dark purple hybrids, like Chocolate Beauty and Chocolate Belle, are a hardy choice for humid climates. For a green/orange hybrid, try Valencia, and green/red bell pepper hybrids that are well-suited to mid-Georgia include Yolo and Giant Marconi. Plant bell peppers in bright sunlight and well-drained, fertile soil that remains moist. Water regular and mulch well, so the soil doesn't get dry. Most bell pepper hybrids produce mature fruit maturity within two to three months, so it's possible to enjoy several harvests.