0
points
What edibles can I grow in the shade?

General    San Jose, CA

A good portion of my backyard is shady - probably only around 3-4 hours of sun per day due to tree cover, however I'd still like to try and grow something edible there to maximize my production. What plants will still produce something edible in this much shade?


Posted by: Amie Frisch (16 points) Amie Frisch
Posted: February 13, 2013




Answers

3
points
Hi Amie,
I have tried growing a variety of things in the shady part of our garden and have had mixed results.
Considering the list provided by Lindsay, I have some comments and additions:
My coriander (cilantro) did not do well in the shade, but there are a number of other herbs that will grow well, like sage, tarragon, and even oregano, and then, of course, all the mints.
Fennel and kale both need more sun (kale liking cool climates does not mean it likes shade...), but you can have a decent yield of lettuce, arugula, radishes, scallions, onions and potatoes. I also grow woodland strawberries which are delicious.
Also do not forget that your soil is a key issue! in shady areas you often have substantial root stock from the adjacent trees - which may be the cause of your shade - or your soil is acidic from decomposed pine needles or moss build up. Make sure you check the pH of your soil and adjust if needed (you'll find whatever you need in most garden or home worker centers), and loosen up the soil. Nothing will grow if your soil is acidic and as hard as rock... As for the quality of soil you should generally be well served around San Jose!
Cheers and happy gardening!


Posted by: Rahel Salathé (13 points) Rahel Salathé
Posted: February 13, 2013


Lindsay McMenemy commented,
we managed to grow coriander on our balcony all summer with only 1 or 2 hours of morning sun so I wouldn't give up on it.. Also kale is very hardy and although it may not reach the same size as it would in direct sun (typically 5 hours of sunlight) it should fare well. Obviously not in very hot temperatures though.
about 11 years ago.



3
points
Is it high shade (still pretty bright) or deeper shade? I have a garden space that's partly under the high shade of some stone pines. It doesn't get lots of direct sun, but it doesn't feel dark and shady at all. I've grown perennial kale (aka tree collards), cardoon, celery, parsley, thyme, and other leafy greens there. I've seen other people growing beans and cherry tomatoes in a similar situation -- you don't get as much production as you would in full sun, but you get something. Look for varieties with the shortest days to maturity.

I agree that the most important limiting factor will be root competition for water and nutrients. Depending on the types of trees you have, I might try raised beds or container growing. I wouldn't plant anything under the canopy of a native oak, though.

Your front yard might be another option if it's sunny. You can plant attractive edibles among landscape plants. If you have unused driveway space in full sun, you can grow container plants. Peppers will grow in smaller pots than you'd guess -- I've grown some varieties in 1 gallon pots. Tomatoes will grow in 5 gallon pots with the right soil mix and nutrients. The smaller the pot, the more attention you have to pay to watering, though.


Posted by: Tanya in the Garden (128 points) Tanya in the Garden
Posted: April 5, 2013




2
points
Just to add something
If the only area that people have is a shady garden because they live in cities for example then a neat way to increase light is to use mirrors that bounce the light around. Or whitewashing the walls. Another way is to use the vertical space as much as possible and have pots affixed to the walls that do have some light hitting them.



Posted by: David Hughes (66 points) David Hughes
Posted: February 13, 2013




2
points
One other thing to consider: if you get plenty of strong sunlight (I'm assuming you do, since I see you're in CA), you may pull off "full sun" species in half shade. Here in Florida, I've been able to grow many things in dappled shade that would just give up further north. I've even successfully grown pole beans in the shade, believe it or not. Not all sun is created equal! If I were in your shoes, I'd experiment, experiment, experiment. Go ahead and throw seeds into shaded areas and see what happens - and good luck.


Posted by: David Goodman (69 points) David Goodman
Posted: February 21, 2013


David Hughes commented,
that is a very clever idea David. I like that!
about 11 years ago.



1
point
A good question, not everybody has the perfect open sunny garden and it’s great to have an idea what you can grow in the more shaded areas. There are many plants that not only tolerate shady areas, but will thrive with a bit of respite from constant sun, especially in San Jose! I would recommend planting shade-tolerant leafy greens, especially those with broad leaves which will efficiently capture light when it may otherwise be limiting and which should grow very well in areas with only 3-4 hours of sun. You might also want to consider some different types of herb which will tolerate partial shade. Take care not to overcrowd the area, keep your plants well spaced to avoid competition for the light that is available. Here are some plants that should grow well in these areas:

- Mustard greens
- Lettuce (choose varieties with broad, loose leaves)
- Chard (PlantVillage entry coming soon)
- Arugula
- Kale
- Coriander
- Fennel
- Mint (PlantVillage entry coming soon!)


Posted by: Lindsay McMenemy (4 points) Lindsay McMenemy
Posted: February 13, 2013




0
points
Thanks everyone! I think I'll try some lettuce, arugula, and some herbs in half wine barrels over there. Rahel, you are right about having tree roots in the way.

I'm also considering painting the fence white, but that may be a project for later. I never thought potatoes and onions would do well in the shade, I think I'll try that too. I need to use the small space of good sun I have to the fullest!

And yummm, woodland strawberries - I've always wanted to try those.


Posted by: Amie Frisch (16 points) Amie Frisch
Posted: February 13, 2013


Kaitte commented,
Amy potatoes and onions are root plants, grow underground need warmth more than anything
almost 8 years ago.



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