Planting under a shady apple tree

[old speckled hen]

I have been getting very dissapointing results on my veg patch, and wondered whether it was because it is located under a huge cooking apple tree. Something to do with it giving too much shade, and the roots taking up moisture I suspect. I try to rotate crops, and wondered if anyone had suggestions for veg to grow there. Potatoes seem to be the only things that grow well? Thanks

[Eyren]

The tree will undoubtedly be the problem - I've been watching the reruns of "Grow Your Own Veg", and Carol Klein noticed a marked difference between her bed that was near an old magnolia and another further away.

I guess you're just going to have to water like crazy to compensate for the tree roots, even in wet weather. Also, have you tried growing crops that like semi-shade, such as spinach and lettuce?

[Demeter]

hello OSH
Here is a thread from not long ago discussing a similar question, I think you may find some useful suggestions in there
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ner_19755.html

Welcome to the vine by the way, like the name, calls to mind happy ill-spent days of youth