Growing vegetables (mainly alliums) in partial shade (in narrow bed)

[firefly]

Hi,

I am looking to grow onions, garlic, & leeks, and maybe some cabbage in a bed down one side of my lawn (south facing garden). the bed is around 50cm by 350cm so relatively small, though I may widen it to 2ft (~61cm). Due to a 6ft fence, the bed is shaded from sunrise to around 12 noon, though receives sun there after for the rest of the day (if a sunny day).

My questions are:

1. is the sunlight that is received adequate for growing preceding veg?
2. is the bed realistically large enough to grow at least onions, garlic, & leeks?
3. how deep will the beds need to be dug for these veg types?

I have attached an image of the bed though has gravel on it at mo so am in process of replacing with soil. One more Q, would a raised bed be a good idea or not or bets to leave at ground level?

I would be most greatful hear peoples suggestions.

Thanks in advance,

firefly.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Have you thought of growing in containers, this would allow you to keep your nice bed, chase the sun should that be necessary and grow fresh veg.

Colin

[King Carrot]

Go on, dig the lawn up, I know, and you know, it's going to happen eventually anyway

[firefly]

The sad thing is that I have half a plot...though am either going to give it up after autumn or down size to 1/4 as it consumes most of my very limited free time.

containers i would consider if i could find large ones - say 50cm by 100cm and at a good price. though not found much luck here so far

cant kill the lawn as my very young children would not be pleased.

so the idea was a narrow bed...

[taff]

have a look through this area and the new shoots bit for square foot gardening threads [ the search isn't working properly at the mo, so you'll have to wait a few days for that to be up and running again]
that'd probably give you more idea of what you can cram in there, and it'll be quite a lot
what you've mentioned growing should be ok there.

[gojiberry]

Alliums tend to be shallow rooted so a prepared bed of 9/12inches would be plenty. They tend to do better in full sun but half a day is better than none. It could also be a benefit as the bed may be inclined to stay moist which is essential for alliums. Give it a go.

Ian

[Potstubsdustbins]

Containers come in many forms if you want purpose made ones you usually have to pay, but freecycle may well be of help.

If you have a fishmonger ask about the polystyrene fish boxes, they are single use items that are thrown away and come in various sizes. If you have access to a Makro card or have a friend with one their fishmonger will give you some.

Another source would be a plumber/heating engineer ask about plastic cold water storage tanks removed from house's. I have several of these two of which are cut down to about 8" deep with 20 main crop onions in each, you could even let the children paint them for you.

A friend of mine even grows in his old wheel barrow.

Colin.

[kingkano]

My beds get sun from 10.30 or 12 - 6ish - due to various obstructions (trees and house). The earlier ones do grow stuff better with the others things grow towards the light a bit, stretching out. So roots/fruits go in the better beds and leafy stuff goes in the others.

Having said that, everything grows great. I grow sweetcorn no problem. So you should find you can grow in that position most things without problem.

I also second the square foot gardening thread for you. You can cram alot in there if you keep on top watering.