Sweet peppers can be grown outside, though they need at least eight hours of sunlight a day. However, they require a different soil than tomatoes. Potatoes will also grow in the same spot if space is available, but they prefer a sunny location with a lot of space between them and their neighbors. They are usually planted in August in areas that get full sun. To help peppers germinate, sprinkle them with compost and some fertilizer. Then put them in an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight. A location near a window is perfect.