Many gardens have a shady spot, where the sun doesn’t seep or delve into. In some cases this can be a challenge for gardeners, however there are a number of crops that will thrive and produce a decent harvest in these areas.
First and foremost – fix and refresh the soil before you even consider planting a seed or plant. Often these shady areas of the garden are neglected; remember nothing will flourish in poor, depleted soils. Dig over the area thoroughly and blend in bags of Tui Super Sheep Pellets, and Tui Compost. Next add Tui Vegetable Food to complete the makeover. The addition of the organic matter and nutrients will kick start the soil and worms into action and provide the right platform for a bountiful harvest.
Add SaturAid to increase the soils ability to hold onto moisture. Even though these crops will get little or no sun, moisture is still sapped from the soil and needs to be replaced to ensure healthy productive crops.
Here are 10 crops you can plant in your shady garden. All these crops will also thrive in pots and containers too, simply fill a pot with Tui Vegetable Mix and plant in the usual way.
Climbing spinach – Malabar spinach
Happy in sun or shade, this climbing spinach is a real space saver with its vertical habit. It does need trellis or webbing to support it. Only suitable in frost free areas.
Celery
Celery will cope in areas with only 1 or 2 hours sunlight a day. It will naturally be taller and darker in colour, retaining the same flavour.
Parsley
A wonderful herb and salad mainstay for shady areas, whether it be curly or Italian, plant a whole border of it and use in pesto, slaws and stir fries. Best to plant seedlings as the seed requires a little sun to germinate reliably.
Silver beet
Coming in a rainbow of shades, this quick growing crop will be ready to harvest within a couple of months in dense shade, plant plenty as its beauty and charm isn’t limited just to the plate.
Mizuna
Essentially the speediest of greens, this crop does need a little sun, about two hours a day is enough once established. Ready to eat within a month, it germinates within a week. Be aware that it will bolt if the soil dries out, so pack the Tui Pea Straw Mulch around this crop.
Rocket – Arugula
A quick and easy crop to grow with little or no sun. The trick though is to pick the leaves as soon as they are finger size and pinch the tips out, yes it will get leggy but it will still thrive. A good one to grow from seed, simply scatter, water and walk away.
Rhubarb
Will cope with little or no sun in winter as most varieties are dormant in the coldest months. The stems may not turn the rich red colour, but the flavour will be just the same. It requires 1-2 hours sun per day during spring summer and autumn.
Spinach
Popeye’s favourite vegetable, this robust leafy green thrives in full sun or shade. Planting seedlings is best as germination can be limited in poorly lit areas. Harvest in 6-8 weeks. Pick the outside leaves first.
Kale
A superfood packed with vitamins and with a hardy and robust habit, kale will happily grow on the south side of the house.
Cavolo nero
The pineapple cabbage, tall upright, this brassica packs a punch with pickable leaves almost all year round. Allow 50cm between plants, and nip the centre out of each plant to encourage it to spread. A perfect addition for stir fries, slaws, soups and salads.
By Rachel Vogan
Post a comment
Edibles that thrive in shady areas Comments
Thanks so much for your newsletters.I have learned so much re seasonal changes and practical tips. Marilyn
MarilynHrstich
Thnnk you so much for this list. I have always literally put my vege patch to bed in winter due to tall trees on our neighbours property. I will certainly give these a go!
Jackie North
you have interested me in climbing spinach please supply list of stockists thanks audrey
audrey shipperlee
Hi Audrey, Kings Seeds sells Malabar Spinach seeds, go to http://kingsseeds.co.nz/ and search 'Malabar Spinach'. Alternatively your local garden centre may stock it. Thanks! Gemma (Tui Team)
gemma
Hi Marilyn, thank you that is great to hear you have learnt a lot from our newsletters. Thank you for the feedback! Gemma (Tui Team)
gemma
Hi Jackie, fantastic, do let us know how you get on! Thanks, Gemma (Tui Team)
gemma
Please tell me more about Cavalo nero plants or seeds? conditions? Taste?I like the sound of it is it hardy?
Julie P
Hi Julie, you are may be able to find seedlings at your local garden centre, otherwise seeds should be available. It grows year round in warm and cold conditions. Before planting prepare the soil as described above. It is a perpetual vege so you pick the leaves as you need them (like silver beet) rather than the whole plant at once. It is traditionally used in Tuscan cooking and goes well with garlic, in soups and slow cooked dishes etc. Thanks! Gemma (Tui Team)
gemma
the strawberries are still fruiting and ripening, must be the good Tui soil they are growing in. Last tomato plant just haning in there with cherry toms on it. Carrots and salsify are through and the potatoes are in. no thankds to me this is all due to my son
Marlene Philpott
A very useful list, thanks.
Fiona B
Hi Marlene, that's great you still have straweberries and tomatoes, and it sounds like your vege garden is all sorted for the coming seasons too!
gemma
Hi, what food shrubs will grow in a shady area? Berries? Currants? Gooseberries? Thanks.
Murray
Hi Murray, this is a good question, sometimes we have to work with what we have got, and plant what will adapt to the growing conditions. Keep in mind berries do need sun to ripen so make sure it is not heavy shade. Fruit and berries that will grow in shade are cape gooseberry, blueberries, currants, raspberries, boysenberries, blackberries, feijoas, citrus, tamarillo and Chilean guava. Peach, pear, plum and nectarine will also tolerate some shade. It will be a matter of trial and error to see what works best in your region.
Lianne, Tui Team