Odd question - Which veg produce the the largest amount of leaf foliage?

[Simonbea]

I'm looking into something and trying to put together a list of veg and / or fruit plants which produce substantial foliage above ground during the summer. What I mean by this is, is plants such as courgettes and tomatoes as opposed to Onions etc.

I'm starting to put together a list but if anybody help me out with any suggestions that would be a great help!

Many Thanks

Simon

[Simonbea]

[aj]

Sharks Fin Melon.

Unbelievable amount of foliage.

[plainleaf]

Atlantic giant pumpkin plants are known to cover and area of 30ft x 30ft or more in a single season.

[Stevens706]

If it's edible leaves you are interested in I would suggest Chard and Spinach

[saddad]

Again if it's edible foliage all the brassicas are very productive...  :)

[Simonbea]

Thanks guys, what about anything that can be trained up a trellis structure? Grapes not the easiest things to grow, peas/runner beans?

[manicscousers]

we're growing a hop up a trellis, grapes don't seem too awkward to grow, getting them to fruit is more difficult. Same with kiwi fruit, but they do have big leaves  ;D

[Simonbea]

Kiwi have big leaves? Perfect! Thanks

[GrannieAnnie]

Simon,
Why?

[Simonbea]

I'm looking at some plants that may be useful for making a shaded space during the summer

[artichoke]

Kiwi plants do indeed have big leaves, but grapes are really easy to grow - I have  a large shady car port/ trellis area completely covered with a grape and wisteria to sit under in a hot summer.

If you had mentioned the reason for your question, no-one would have suggested cabbage and spinach!

[goodlife]

Well then..achocca is good for making shady space...and runnerbeans.

[BoardStupid]

Not a veg as such but tobacco plants grow pretty huge, with lots of foliage

[GrannieAnnie]

Not a veg as such but tobacco plants grow pretty huge, with lots of foliage

Yes but he'd have to lie down to enjoy its shade ;D

[Simonbea]

Reason I didn't mention trellis is because what I'm looking at isn't quite as straight forward as just having a trellis system and so other plants are just as relevant and useful, so thanks for all the suggestions

[Kleftiwallah]

"Goodlife" beat me to it   runner bean has to be the winner.      Cheers,    Tony.

[GrannieAnnie]

"Goodlife" beat me to it   runner bean has to be the winner.      Cheers,    Tony.

Pole beans would give fast coverage but If I had a choice I'd go with grapes or this old wisteria vine that covers the patio at the Porch of Two Sisters Restaurant in New Orleans. This is a pix taken off the internet. I've never seen it in full bloom but it must be an incredible sight. Very pleasant sitting under it even with only leaves. The vines follow wires that crisscross overhead and also have twinkle lighting.

[Obelixx]

I grow pumpkins/squashes up trellis so the fruits are in the sun and ripen better.  They do lots of foliage.

If you want shade without trellis try Jerusalem artichokes as they grow tall so would provide both a wind break and shaleter from late aftrenoon and evening sun.

[Simonbea]

Thanks again, this is a good list now

[GrannieAnnie]

I've tried growing  gourds and winter squash up a trellis and though they provide good coverage you have to support the fruits somehow if they are heavy. I'll post a picture in a minute. or 10 ;D PICTURE OF A BUSHEL GOURD VINE GROWING ACROSS A LADDER