Comments on: What to Grow in the Shady Bit

By: RattanFurniture

RattanFurniture — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:30:30 +0000

That’s a very good list. I have already tried some in the list and its time to try some more. Nice post. Cheers.

By: Garden Lights

Garden Lights — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:54:12 +0000

I have always been wondering what could be grown on such huge shady space on my garden tried some squashes and didn’t do really well. This is an excellent idea. Thanks for the great post.

By: Kiltie's Handmade Cards

Kiltie's Handmade Cards — Fri, 14 May 2010 21:45:19 +0000

Thanks for this. I have a tiny plot in my garden and about a third of it is in shade because of shed, house etc. Might try the herbs you list.

By: Laura

Laura — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:37:33 +0000

Hi Just found your blog after following a link from the BBC, looking forward to having a good look around but first a quick comment because I am slightly surprised you list Asparagus – it is a native of coastal areas so used to high light levels, it needs full sun in my garden and I live in the Southern France with plenty of light. Does it grow well for you in the shade?
Other things that will grow well in partial-shade include: angelica, chervil, lovage, sorrel, comfry, spinach, mizuna and other oriental leafy brassicas, jerusalem artichokes, chrysanthemum greens, land cress, and garlic mustard (jack-by-the-hedge).

By: John

John — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:38:05 +0000

I thought I was also doomed when I found half my garden in my new house didnt get any direct sunlight. I soon found though the best things to growm in the shade are: Try growing some shade tolerant vegetables (shade for more than half a day) like beetroot, ‘Bolthardy’, calabrese, kale, kohl rabi, lettuce – little gem. Also radish, spinach and herbs – chives, mint and parsley are all shade tolerant. Fruit such as raspberries, blackcurrants, gooseberry and rhubarb are plants of the woodland edge and will thrive in this environment. You could try other strategies to improve the growing conditions such as increasing the light levels by careful pruning of trees.

By: carl

carl — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:55:09 +0000

Just come across the site, like to say thanks for the info. The whole back of the veggie patch is covered with trees so is in shade apart from late afternoon when i may get a couple of hours, I think i’ll go with the fruit bushes and a herb patch .. at least I can get some use out it, and if all that fails .. grow slugs !!!

By: Galla

Galla — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:44:23 +0000

I tried cucumbers the other month and loophas earlier, similarly to what you did with Runner Beans – it worked. Yes, not many cucumbers down there, but up, in the sun, we had quite a number.
Great blog, I’m actually quite new to veggie’s gardening, so your posts ‘ve been very educational. Thanks a lot! Found you from Down-to-earth blog.

By: Cheese

Cheese — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:17:22 +0000

On our balcony we only get sun until mid-afternoon so light is a big concern to us. You have a couple of herbs in your list but I would definitely add tarragon and parsley (both flat-leaf and curled) both of which thrive when partially shaded from our experience.

I’ve started growing some small berries (blue/straw/rasp) this year too and am hoping that they will do well in the shade.

I think your idea to grow runner beans in a sunny area and then move them is a great idea. In this way you can allow the plants to share the sunny patch when they most need it.

By: Nicki

Nicki — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:14:39 +0000

Thanks for the advice, Gill. I only have one small bed in the shade so I’ll probably do as you do.

By: Dropstone Farms » links for 2009-03-08

Dropstone Farms » links for 2009-03-08 — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 02:55:59 +0000

[...] My Tiny Plot » Blog Archive » What to Grow in the Shady Bit What grows well in the shady parts of the yard. (tags: shade garden-planning varieties) [...]