very shady spot

[reddyreddy]

what can I grow in a very shady spot which has quite clay soil?!!!

I was hoping for potatoes so I could put them in black bins and move them there once the foliage starts poking through put any other ideas for veg that like severe shade?

x

[reddyreddy]

[Deb P]

Lettuce don't mind shade as long as it gets some sun for part of the day, or rhubarb perhaps?

[saddad]

but not Melons...  ;D

[artichoke]

Black and red currants and possibly gooseberries are supposed to be naturally edge of woodland plants. I have useful black and red currants next to a tall hedge that only has sun in the early morning. I am surprised by how productive they are, though I put them there because of reading that in the wild they are woodland plants.

[Uncle_Filthster]

Black and red currants and possibly gooseberries are supposed to be naturally edge of woodland plants. I have useful black and red currants next to a tall hedge that only has sun in the early morning. I am surprised by how productive they are, though I put them there because of reading that in the wild they are woodland plants.

They certainly are.  One of my local ancient woodlands has a small native population of currants.  The main problem with our native foodcrops is that the majority were developed from coastal plants and so aren't that shade tolerant.  Case of working with nature and finding something you like that is woodland/scrub in origin I reckon.  Fruit or hazelnut being the most obvious

[Deb P]

but not Melons...  ;D

I fear my attempts at melon growing days are over unless I get my act together and put the poly tunnel up...

But agree, currant bushes do very well and you can train them into cordons so they don't get too big as well.

[reddyreddy]

when would be a good time to plant a black currant?

Might pop some lettuce in too...

[green lily]

Keep it damp and grow landcress or even watercress if  wet enough. Raspberries and  blackberries would be ok as well as the currants. I've just moved a blackcurrant today. Any time in winter is fine to get planting but remember they all need a lot of space. Don't be fooled by the few twigs you get from the garden centrs.....

[reddyreddy]

raspberries too then! Thanks for the advice!