Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are warm season crops in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) and are closely related to potato. These solanaceous crops are transplanted, and yield higher and earlier when grown on plastic mulch. Peppers and eggplants benefit from early-season row covers or low tunnels.

Solanaceous crops are cold sensitive crops at all stages. Transplants should be set out only after the risk of frost is passed, and all fruit should be harvested before autumn frosts. Crop covers can be used to protect fruit if harvest cannot be completed prior to a frost event.