Veg in the shade

I've just weeded my patch of parsley which is still going strong. It's in a really shady part of the garden - down a strip between a fence and the side of the house (about 6ft wide). It probably gets sun for about 1-2 hours, but that's filtered by a tree. The sorrel there is still alive too though would be better if not munched by slugs. Has anyone else had any successes in the shade?

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Permalink Reply by Jade Hwang on January 19, 2011 at 21:50

try peas, they like shade.

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Permalink Reply by Darren Blick on January 19, 2011 at 22:02

The problem is that most veg requires some sun light

Difficult one I think

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Permalink Reply by Debbie on January 19, 2011 at 22:11

I think it's leafy greens like spinach, chinese cabbage, mizuna and lettuce as long as it's kept watered.

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Permalink Reply by Darren Blick on January 19, 2011 at 22:19

As long as they still get the warmth benefit from the sun or they won't grow as well

Debbie said:

I think it's leafy greens like spinach, chinese cabbage, mizuna and lettuce as long as it's kept watered.

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Permalink Reply by Debbie on January 19, 2011 at 22:22

yep good point

Darren Blick said:

As long as they still get the warmth benefit from the sun or they won't grow as well

Debbie said:
I think it's leafy greens like spinach, chinese cabbage, mizuna and lettuce as long as it's kept watered.

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Permalink Reply by Darren Blick on January 19, 2011 at 22:24

It's more important for the seed germination as if the right temperature isn't reached, the seeds won't germinate

I guess if you germinate in pots then transplant would address that issue

Debbie said:

yep good point

Darren Blick said:
As long as they still get the warmth benefit from the sun or they won't grow as well

Debbie said:
I think it's leafy greens like spinach, chinese cabbage, mizuna and lettuce as long as it's kept watered.

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Permalink Reply by Damo on January 19, 2011 at 22:42

http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/todo_now/faqs.php?id=79

There's some veg listed here but may need more sunlight hours that your patch is getting.

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Permalink Reply by Damo on January 19, 2011 at 22:44

And there's this great post from UKVG's creator,

http://www.mytinyplot.co.uk/planning/what-to-grow-in-the-shady-bit/

I remember reading this for some reason even though it's almost 2 years ago now!

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Permalink Reply by Darren Blick on January 19, 2011 at 22:47

Good links Damo, where do you find this stuff?

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Permalink Reply by Damo on January 19, 2011 at 22:51

I live online when I can prise the laptop of the missus, and read a lot of blogs each week. Managed to get football on the tele and the laptop at the moment!!

Darren Blick said:

Good links Damo, where do you find this stuff?

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Permalink Reply by James Dixon on January 19, 2011 at 22:53

I agree with Debbie......I grow spinach and lettuce in the shady side of my veg plot

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Permalink Reply by Gill Blease on January 19, 2011 at 23:24

Great suggestions folks. I tried kale once with some success but the trees have grown since then. I've got an allotment so i'm not sure why i persevere with the shady strip (well i do know, if i had my way it would all be shrubs and ground cover) but it's also interesting just to see what edibles actually grow. the parsley plants are currently better than those suffering exposure on the allotment... and it is nice just to be able to nip outside and pick something.