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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Annadl on August 11, 2005, 17:36:16

Title: shady area
Post by: Annadl on August 11, 2005, 17:36:16
I have a 3 metre by 2 metre rectangular area in my back yard that is completely shaded. It is surrounded by 3 limestone walls 1-2 metres high.  I have planted a vege patch near the open side that does get sunshine but would love to plant some edibles in the shade.  Can anyone tell me if there are any edibles that can be planted in shade.  I want to grow sweet potatoes, but suggestions of any vegetable or herb will be appreciated. 

I live on the coast and the soil would be quite limey (alkaline).

Thankyou, Anna.
Title: Re: shady area
Post by: daveandtara on August 11, 2005, 21:28:28
don't lettuces appreciate shade?
someone clever will be along soon..... ;D
Title: Re: shady area
Post by: Rosa_Mundi on August 11, 2005, 21:34:05
Alpine strawberries would tolerate shade.
Title: Re: shady area
Post by: undercarriage plan on August 11, 2005, 21:35:10
Whheeeeeeeeeeeee! Not clever, just crash landed from shed!!! Sorry!! Same as D & T though, I think you'll be hard pushed to get any veg  to grow in full shade. But someone will be along in a min, I'm sure, like buses, none for hours, then..........! Good luck Lottie  ;D
Title: Re: shady area
Post by: carloso on August 12, 2005, 02:03:39
go on just try something !!! anything other than that that requires full sun 24 / 7

GOOOOO ONNNNNNN TRY IT

youll never know and youll kick yourself later a bit of experiment is what its all about !
some you win some you lose

Carl

do i feeeeeeeeeeeeelllllllllllllllll better for getting that off my chest lol
Title: Re: shady area
Post by: wardy on August 12, 2005, 08:26:10
Right!  Here we are  :)  Little Gem lettuce is lovely, spring cabbage, winter lettuce, broad bean Aquadulce, beetroot Bolthardy,  calabrese, kale, kohl rabi and radish.  These are all veggies which can be planted in autumn.  Chives, mint oh and that very tasty flat leaf parsley will tolerate a bit of shade but it does like watering occasionally  :)  Rhubarb, gooseberries, raspberries and blackcurrants

You could grow a comfrey plant (not edible) but will make you some plant food and help your compost bin.  I take leaves off and put them on the soil at the back of the borders and in amongst the plants where they quickly rot down and add goodness to the soil and feed the plants  :)

Could you get any more light in by removing overhanging branches and painting the walls white etc.  No veggies will tolerate total shade but I hope this has given you some food for thought  :)
Title: Re: shady area
Post by: Annadl on August 12, 2005, 11:09:56
Thankyou all so much for your replies.  I discovered this website yesterday and it's fantastic.   

Will take some of your suggestions and will experiment.  Maybe put a bird bath in there as well (if they don't go for my strawberries).

Anna
Title: Re: shady area
Post by: undercarriage plan on August 12, 2005, 11:28:11
Don't forget towel and bubbles..... ;D Lottie