This group of vegetables can be grown outdoors but usually crop better when grown to maturity in a greenhouse, polytunnel or wall frame. They can be planted and grown in the soil but are, more often than not, grown in containers; these can either be 23-25cm (9-10in) pots of good potting compost or growing-bags. When using the latter, extra care must be taken over watering and feeding as the small volume of compost quickly dries out.

In the garden they need a warm, sunny, protected position. The soil should be fertile and well drained, but able to hold adequate moisture as all these crops need a constant water supply.

They are all sown indoors with heat in small pots and hardening off if planting outside.

Aubergine
Cucumber
Okra
Peppers - including chillies
Tomatoes