Issue 23Shady Crops

While it is true that many edible crops need copious amounts of sunshine to thrive, all is not lost if you have a dark, shady plot for growing produce. You just need to temper your enthusiasm with the acceptance that you will not be growing edibles from hot, sunny climates such as chillies, peppers, and aubergines. It is as much a case of right plant, right place for shade as for any other situation in the garden.

Types of ShadeFirst you need to work out which type of shade you have. It may sound daft but deep shade, which gets little or no sunlight at all, will prove difficult as a growing area. In contrast, an area which gets even a few hours of light a day, even if that is in the morning or evening, or dappled shade throughout the day, can provide enough light to grow some edibles.
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You may be able to increase the light to the area by lifting the crowns of nearby trees or even by pruning back a few branches.
Shade-loving VegLeafy, green crops do not need much sunshine to thrive and in fact, salad leaves like lettuce, rocket, and spinach, as well as oriental greens, grow better in cooler weather. Too much summer heat causes them to bolt quickly and the leaves then taste bitter.
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Other top shady performers are rhubarb, radish, Swiss chard, bok choy, kale, wasabi, the three-cornered leek, and perennial Welsh onions, as well as the full range of brassicas like cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
If your plot gets morning sun but plunges into afternoon shade, carrots and leeks will grow away happily.
Shade-loving FruitThink hedgerow fruit for inspiration if you want to grow fruit in a shady corner. Blackcurrants, blackberries, gooseberries, raspberries, red and white currants, alpine strawberries, or the Japanese wineberry or American chokeberry will all be happy in partial shade. Even pears and culinary varieties of plum need only a few hours of sunshine a day to thrive.
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Sunshine is important for ripening fruit and producing the sugars which make it taste sweet. So it follows that fruit grown in shade will taste less sweet, but you can still grow fruit in shadier areas to use in cooking or preserving where you can add natural sweeteners if required.
Shade-loving HerbsSome herbs can survive without Mediterranean climes with parsley, chives, sorrel, lovage, and horseradish all happy to grow in a partially shady spot. Mint, although you must keep it contained in a pot or it will spread everywhere, is perfectly happy in deep shade.
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Do not let a lack of sunlight in your shady garden or allotment put you off enjoying the riches of growing your own produce.Front CoverNavigationContentsEditor's WelcomeWhat's On In ScotlandNational Trust for Scotland - ROOTSGardening NewsScone Palace Garden Fair 2024Scone Palace Garden Fair TicketsWhat's Gorgeous in the Garden?Glorious Gardens to Visit this SpringWIN with DobbiesDreaming of a Bluebell WoodScottish National Rhododendron ShowWalk on the Wild SideCome and Chat About PlantsBlackthorn: A Native BeautyThreave Heritage Garden ShowEndangered Plant SpeciesArchitectural AngelScottish Garden Design CompetitionJust 3 PlantsA Walled Garden Flower FarmerFeature Your GardenThe Caley Awards CeremonyScotland Grows websitePallet Garden and Planter Challenge 2024Create a Table DisplayReasons for Bulb BlindnessDIY PlantersSeed Swapping FrenzyGarden Fair Ticket GiveawayHardening Off SeedlingsPotting On PeppersNot Just for PopeyeScotland Grows Testimonial 1Go Wild for Garlic RecipesShady CropsRainbow Salad and Strawberry CheesecakeGet Superfood SavvyScotland Grows ShowGlasgow Botanic Gardens Orchid FairTop 5 Plants for Dark HallwaysPlantique GlasgowGlasgow Floral Displays Flourish at AwardsJobs AheadOne Garden ThingGrow Your BusinessThe Last WordNext Issue advertArchives