Planting and sowing orientation

[mrsbusy]

Hi.
my allotment is a rectangle with the long side running north to south.
The neighboring plot is on the north side and there is a wide path on the south - car width +.
I can't grow tall things - not even tomatoes - on the north side because it shades the neighboring plot and causes an upset.
My plot gets a lot of sun.
Is it better to grow my rows east to west or risk creating shade on my plot with rows north to south?
I am slightly stuck because I put my raised beds long side north to south! So the rows east to west will only be 4 ft.

[Snoop Puss]

Shame about the neighbour, but best to try and accommodate them if you can. No point getting into arguments, as it just spoils your pleasure when you are there.

My main patch is like yours (long sides running north to south). When I first started, I had my beds running north to south as I thought this would be a more efficient use of space. I then changed them to run east to west, not because of exposure to sunshine but because of the winds, which tend to blow west to east. So having the beds running in the same direction meant the plants suffer from less buffeting and wind damage.

Which direction do your prevailing winds blow? Might that be a factor?

Also, how wide are your paths or how much space do you have between your raised beds? Do you really notice that the plants cast shade on others in your own plot? Plus, some plants even like a bit of shade, so maybe you could use that to your advantage.

I have to say that I was at an advantage in that I don't have 'built' raised beds, just walls made of raked up earth, so it was easy for me to change direction.

[ameno]

I grow most of my tall crops north-south. I don't find it casts any significant shade, at least not if your plot, like mine, gets full sun for most of the day normally.
The crops immediately next to the tall ones will get some shade early or late in the day (depending which side they are on), but they should still get plenty of sun for the rest of the day. And the sun is less potent, and therefore less valuable, in the early morning and evening, anyway, so a bit of shade then doesn't matter so much.
Growing east-west would likely be worse, as it casts a far larger shadow and the crops on the north side of the row would be in the shade most of the day.

[Jungle Jane]

Could you grow tall crops on the south side of your plot running north to south,the shade created on your plot won’t be 24/7 there’ll still be partial sun at certain times of the day. I don’t grow in rows,mix plants up a bit of you want to. Some tomato plants can grow 6ft & beyond but there’s some good 4ft tall bush varieties like Cyril’s choice that could be planted right next to the neighbours without worrying about height.

[mrsbusy]

Hi and thanks for opinions.
I think north south rows are best - just been reading instructions on pea packet which advised north south to ensure all plants dry off to avoid mildew.
I have 4 beds with wooden sides but not planning on more - they are quite a nuisance with weeds and ants and woodlice.
I will just have to plan my planting to best effect and avoid random!
I am repositioning my small shed and compost bins too so hopefully will help.
All things I hadn't taken into account when I set the plot up!

[rary]

As much as I always try to accommodate my neighbours, I believe that this should be reciprocated, have a chat with your neighbour and let him/her know you will be growing some tall plants in your garden and you will try not to give them too many problems, but there are things that you want to grow, I do appreciate that not everyone can cope with any agro., but your neighbour is dictating to you what they want you to do, which personally I would not accept, would it be possible for the two plots to be reshaped, so that both of you get the benefits

[mrsbusy]

Well I did stand up for myself because the tomato thing was the straw that broke the proverbial back. But it didn't end well and we now maintain a polite avoidance! Not ideal but life's too short.
I don't think the plots can be altered and it's not a big deal.

[marysuegardens]

I was taught if you can not grow running tall plans on the north side
the next best option is rows running south north and tall plants on west
side and short plants on the east side.. maybe someone has done study
on this so you might have better idea of your options.

[rary]

Well I did stand up for myself because the tomato thing was the straw that broke the proverbial back. But it didn't end well and we now maintain a polite avoidance! Not ideal but life's too short.

Good for you, I think you are quite right, it's your plot and you can grow what you want, not what someone else wants, I have a problem much the same, a neighbour planted trees which now shade my garden, but I would never think of telling her to cut them down, they are in her garden and it's what she wants, mark you, if she ever wants to cut them down, I will give her a saw😁, as for your self, always be polite, saying good morning or good day and smile