What would be a good choice for shade?

Debora Cadene 5/11/2012, 9:15 am

I built a 4 x 1 foot garden box next to my door, but unfortunately it only gets about 4 hours of sun. Lots of dapples shade, due to the trees around the house, plus its on the East side, and only a foot away from the house. I had some chives in the ground close to where this was built, so I know they can grow there. I put them in the box, but have three squares left. I know I can add some annuals, but was also wondering about veggies or herbs.

thanks again.
d.

jkahn2eb 5/11/2012, 10:04 am

General rule of thumb: if it doesn't flower, it should do ok in shade. Hence, lettuce should thrive, swiss chard will thrive, broccoli should do fine, you may even get away with some small cherry tomatoes!

**walshevak** 5/11/2012, 1:08 pm

spinach, radishes, mustard greens, turnip greens

My house faces NE and I had good luck with 2 tomatos that were on the NW corner. It got about 4 hrs of sun in the morning and then picked up another few hours when the west sun peeked around a bit. I set the tomato about 3ft off the side of the house .

Kay

trukrebew 5/11/2012, 4:07 pm

Hi Debora,

My entire SFG gets only about 5 hours of sun because of the trees. I've had the most success with different lettuces, green beans, onions, basil, chives, mint (in a pot), parsley, oregano, and cherry tomatoes!

Not so much with most tomatoes since they never get ripe until October. Although this year I am trying Early Girl so that I can get to eat some in the summer, hopefully! I've also done pretty well with smaller Boston pickling cucumbers. I think it helps that they climb up the trellis and get a bit more sun light higher up.

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What would be a good choice for shade?

What would be a good choice for shade?

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