what can i grow in the shade

[snake the squadie]

i have got a patch about 2 square meters but its in between a shed and a fence and north facing so it gets no direct sunlight but i dont want it to go to waste. i know i can use it for many things but veg growing space is short in my garden so i would like to use it for that any one got any ideas

[jeannine]

Hi,
I had a shady patch behind the shed on my old allotment and got great crops of spinach - it was slower to bolt than the rows I tried in a sunnier spot. You can also try kohl rabi and radish, swiss chard or kale.

[bluemoon]

Rhubarb does well in the shade, and with a couple of square metres you'd have just the right amount of space for two crowns. Other than that I'd go for leafy crops, plants tend to put out more leaf if light levels are low at the expense of roots and fruit, so I wouldn't suggest anything like carrots or beans. Lettuce are a good bet as not only are they leafy they prefer cooler conditions, but I'd grow the cut and come again types rather than trying to get something to form a heart in very shaded conditions. Personally I'd go for the rhubarb, you can plant it and forget it and, once established, it suppresses weeds.

[Hans Mum]

rhubarb gets my vote too once youve planted it just needs keeping clear of any weeds and a dollop of pony poo and you'll be reaping the benefits

[veg4681]

Do parsnips and leeks also do alright in the shade? I have a shady patch in certain times of the day but does get sunlight. What about beetroot?

Thanks for the link Gardenplot, here are good representation from the site below:

VEGETABLES FOR THE SHADY GARDEN

In general, leafy vegetables are the most shade-tolerant, while those that fruit from a flower (tomatoes, peppers, squash, eggplants) are the least. In between are the root vegetables requiring at least a half day of full sun: potatoes, beets, carrots and turnips. Shade tolerant leafy vegetables include lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, arugula, endive and radiccio. Broccoli (and its relatives -- kale, kohlrabi, turnips, mustard and cabbage -- also grow in partial shade.

[snake the squadie]

i did think about the rhubarb but i have far more than enough on my lottie but i think i will try broccoli and cabbage if you think its a good idea. how about collis

[Flummery]

One part of my little veg garden is partially shaded except for the height of summer. I rotate crops, obviously, and I've not found anything that won't do ok. I keep toms and peppers etc in the greenhouse but just about everythings else gets its turn in the shade. I wouldn't worry too much. Grow what you fancy and see how it does.