Nightshades (Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant & Potatoes)

Nightshades are a popular family of plants that include tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes. Most are warm-season crops that require a long growing period and plenty of sun.

Planting Nightshades

Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are typically started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date and transplanted outdoors once the weather is consistently warm. Potatoes are grown from seed potatoes.

• Sun: Full sun (at least 6-8 hours) is crucial for good fruit production.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. pH typically between 6.0 and 6.8.
• Spacing: Varies greatly by type and variety. Tomatoes and peppers often benefit from staking or caging.

Common Nightshade Varieties

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

Come in determinate (bush) and indeterminate (vining) types. Varieties range from small cherry tomatoes to large beefsteaks, in various colors.

Peppers (Capsicum annuum)

Includes sweet bell peppers and hot chili peppers. Many colors, shapes, and heat levels exist.

Eggplant (Solanum melongena)

Varieties differ in size, shape (globular, elongated), and color (purple, white, striped).

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)

Grown for their edible tubers. Many varieties with different skin/flesh colors, textures, and uses (boiling, baking, frying).

Care and Maintenance

• Watering: Consistent and deep watering, especially during fruit development. Avoid wetting foliage to prevent diseases.
• Fertilizing: These are heavy feeders. Amend soil with compost and use a balanced fertilizer. Tomatoes benefit from calcium to prevent blossom-end rot.
• Support: Indeterminate tomatoes, many peppers, and eggplants may need staking or caging to support fruit-laden branches.
• Pest and Disease Management: Common issues include aphids, hornworms (tomatoes), blight (tomatoes/potatoes), and Colorado potato beetles. Crop rotation, resistant varieties, and vigilance are key.

Harvesting

Harvest tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants when they reach their mature color and size. Potatoes are typically harvested when the plants begin to yellow and die back, or new potatoes can be harvested earlier. Handle with care to avoid bruising.