New for 2026: Gardening Updates & Guides
🌿 Check out new updated pages for easy-accessible, climate and container gardening - all in one place.
Think Spring!: "Ontario groundhog says "early spring is coming!" is it time to start thinking "seeds" or pulling out the groundhog? 🦁
Nightshades (Solanaceae)
Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants & Potatoes
Nightshades are heat-loving vegetables prized for their vibrant colours and bold flavours. They thrive in warm soil, appreciate consistent watering, and reward gardeners with some of the most beloved foods in the kitchen — from juicy tomatoes to smoky peppers. With the right care, they perform exceptionally well in Canadian gardens.
List of Nightshades
- How to grow Peppers
- Tomatoes
- Eggplants
- Potatoes - grow 4 ways
Start seeds indoors early, provide strong light, and transplant once the danger of frost has passed. Nightshades need rich soil, deep watering, and steady warmth. Mulching helps maintain moisture and prevent blossom-end rot in tomatoes and peppers.
- Tomatoes
- Peppers (sweet and hot)
- Eggplants
| Vegetable | Preferred Soil pH (approx.) | Soil Preference Group | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potatoes | 5.0–6.0 | Slightly Acidic | More acidic soil helps prevent potato scab |
| Peppers | 6.0–6.8 | Slightly Acidic to Neutral | Loves heat; slow starter in cool springs |
| Eggplants | 6.0–6.8 | Slightly Acidic to Neutral | Heat-loving; similar care to tomatoes |
| Tomatoes | 6.2–6.8 | Slightly Acidic to Neutral | Needs support; avoid overhead watering |
Why soil pH matters: Soil pH affects how well plants can absorb nutrients. Most vegetables prefer slightly acidic soil, where nutrients are most available.