I have a small monoblocked area, the middle of which would be great for a raised bed, but it is half shaded by a very large birch tree - it will get the sun mid to late afternoon in the middle of summer, but the rest of the time it will be in partial shade. It is really the only place I could site the bed. Am I on a hiding to nothing or should I give it a go?
Meg
Should be OK... as long as you aren't trying to grow prize winning veg... :-\
Quote from: saddad on July 16, 2009, 09:06:56
Should be OK... as long as you aren't trying to grow prize winning veg... :-\
Growing veggies that look like they are meant to look and taste better than supermarket versions is prize enough for me Saddad ;)
There are quite a few veggies that prefer a bit of partial shade. Off top of my head - lettuce, spinach, pak choi, carrots, raspberries, potatoes, parsnips, beetroot
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad68/landimad/garden/trees.jpg)
If you see the large trees behind my veggies then you will not need to worry about light. These trees are about 150 years old now and still I get good crops and flowers from the beds.
Go for it and adapt the plants to the micro climate you create there.
your bed should be OK. I've got five beds where tree's hang over the only thing i find is the devil caterpillar's falling from then, just net your raised bed which I've done it will help alot, but still watchout for the little devils
All agreed then - I am going for it ;)
Thanks for getting back to me.
Meg