Dead corner of the garden

[squashman]

I'm looking for some advice, I have a patch of garden about 5' x 3' which is pretty much dead space, the soil seems in reasonable nick but the area is very sheltered and shady, it only gets about 4 hours sunshine in the Summer at best.

The frugal Scot in me would like to get this small area working for me if possible, what would be something suitable to grow that isn't to fussy about the amount of direct sunlight it gets, I was thinking about radishes because I really miss the hot, spicy taste I remember as a child, shop bought radishes are just like crunchy water. I seem to remember reading somewhere that they need a lot of light though.

Any suggestions warmly welcomed.

[SarzWix]

You might be better off growing leafy green stuff there - like cabbages, sprouts etc which don't need a lot of sun, or salads which object to getting too hot and run to seed. You could try your radishes in between rows of slower growing stuff, but it might be that they need sunshine to get to full heat. Although 'sunshine' is a relative term - we haven't had a lot of it this year anyway!
I'd give it a go - what have you got to lose if the space isn't being used anyway?!

[Snadger]

Rasps or rhubarb don't mind dappled shade!

[FB.]

The taller something grows, the more sunlight it gets - so perhaps a fruit bush that can reach up higher?
...or....
Alpine strawberries will tolerate shady places, although yields will be a lower than if a sunny spot.
...or...
Or you could use the space for water butts, composters, storage etc.

[Two_Sheds]

Or you could use the space for water butts, composters, storage etc.

Or a comfrey bed, for your own fertiliser. Russian Comfrey, Bocking 14 is what you want. It prefers shade.

[squashman]

Thanks for the suggestions, I hadn't considered strawbs if I'm honest, I would have thought they needed plenty of sun but the more I think about it I'm sure they would grow well if perhaps with a lesser yield, even if I get a few handfuls of berries i'll be happy.

I'll have a dig around to see if I've got stuff lying around for a net

[FB.]

Alpine strawberries often don't need nets. The birds don't seem very interested and many of the strawberries are hidden in the leaves - so perhaps they don't see them.
Slugs are the biggest problem.