Vegetables in the shade

[subcomandante]

Hi all

Just planning my garden patch as we get ready for spring. Part of the patch is very shaded and I was just wondering if anyone has any recommendations about growing veg in the shade: are there any that particularly thrive there or don't mind being there?

Thanks in advance

[darkbrowneggs]

I think pretty well all veg and fruit prefers open and sunlight, but some I have tried and which seem to survive in my shady part, and give some results are

Root Artichokes
Rhubarb
Raspberries
Wild Strawberries

Lettuce might be ok also but I have too many slugs in my shady part to make that an option

Gooseberries are supposed to but didn't for me
Some of the briar type berries might be worth a try

I will be interested to see what anyone else has succeeded with

All the best
Sue
Dark Brown Eggs

[subcomandante]

OK thanks for the suggestions. Will have a try with the berries, especially the gooseberries which are really underrated I think!

[bonniethomas06]

Wow, is that your patch in the photo? Looks amazing!

[fran]

Sorry, nothing constructive to add but will read the replies with interest as half my allotment is in the shade, which is why no one else wanted it!

[subcomandante]

@ Bonniethomas, no unfortunately its not, my father's allotment.

[Green Aura]

It might be worth considering some less obvious edible plants that grow well in shade. If you look up forest gardens, or get a book on the subject there are loads. Things like ferns, which produce fiddleheads in the spring, violets - another spring tonic plant all grow well in even deep shade. And the bonus with most of these type of plants are that they're perennial and require minimal maintenance when they've got established.

It also might be a good place to have a patch of nettles, they seem to grow well enough although maybe not in total shade, to feed the rest of your plants.

[Millymollymandy]

Lettuce! I have some semi shaded parts of the veg patch so try to leave a bit of this space for popping in transplanted lettuces.

[skiesabove]

Some herbs/trees that can be useful for yourself and you pets prefer or can cope with shade, such as ladys mantle (one of my favorites, so pretty), mint, melissa, oregano, elderflower...

[MKG]

I think I'd question gooseberries. We've had a few bushes in shady places, and they've all suffered from mildew. Our sunny ones haven't.

Mike

[scrap]

Wild garlic thrives in shady places.
But you might think twice about it if you know how rapidly it spreads...
Still,it's absolutely delicious and is great for flavoured oils,pesto's etc.