I don't think it's too late, but am interested to hear what other folks say.

When do you like to plant them out?

7b plant out is usually about April 15th I think, especially if you want to get some fruit set before the worst heat and humidity arrives.

Tomatoes take 6 weeks approx. to be ready so you'd need to buy some for early fruit set and then start some to for later planting.

Peppers take longer, about 8-9 weeks as they grow slowly. So it may well be too late to start peppers in your zone since it would be well into June when planting. I'd start some but also plan to buy some to get them planted earlier before the real heat hits.

Dave

I'd buy the plants..........Honestly I'd say the tomato's are more prone to heat issues than the peppers in my experience...my peppers always seem to love the heat ....

Is it hot where you are? I am in 7b and we are rarely above 100 for more than, oh, 4 days in a summer.

If you are looking at heirlooms, etc., watch out for days to maturation. Some of the heirloom ones can be long. I would stick with varieties you know will produce well and quickly in your location, rather than trying something new.

I have planted starts of tomatoes in mid-June and had a crop. It was 25 years ago, so I can't remember how BIG a crop, but I remember being happy with it. We don't get frost till mid-November, though.

It depends where you live. This is a big country.
Here in MN it is just about too late for peppers but just right for tomatoes.

Here in Washington state, I'll be starting mine next week for transplant in May or June.

I know you live in Zone 7, but why not try starting a couple of seeds and buy a couple of plants. I suspect your seedlings will be no more than a week or two behind and if you protect them from the heat, they may do fine. Then next time you'll know....

That's a good idea, to do some of each :).

I hope it's not too late. I planted tomatoes and egg plants today. ;-)

I had planned to start a bit earlier, so as to have larger plants at transplanting time. But I think this is OK. It is surprising how quickly small plants catch up when they get into the ground.

Jim

Thanks all for the feedback. I decided to go ahead and plant some seeds - the thought of not having seedlings around was very depressing!