Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat
Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: Pitufo on July 13, 2017, 11:33
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Hello. I have two raised beds which are under trees and receive very little, if any, direct sunlight. Almost a month ago I dug and weeded them (the weeds had been there for some years) and since then only a couple of bits of bindweed have tried to grow at the edges. Other than that nothing, the plots remain clear. I had thought they maybe good for lettuces but am now beginning to wonder if trying this would be a wasted effort. After reading the article on Balsam I considered this may be a good use of the space but as both plots are close to the shed the bees from the hive next door may make life a bit uncomfortable. Would even Balsam grow in such shade. Does anyone have any suggestions please.
Thank you.
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You could try perpetual spinach/chard, I grew this in a corner shaded by trees in my home garden and it seemed happy, I am a big fan of this veg, very easy and versatile. You can sow now to go through the winter.
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I agree that the leafy veg are likely to be best, but also bear in mind that the trees will not only cast a shade shadow but also a rain shadow. You will need to keep on top of the watering situation quite closely, not least because raised beds of themselves are usually free-draining.
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Thank you that is great. I had disciplined myself to the idea that the rest of the time this year was for digging and weeding so the idea of planting has become quite revolutionary. I sent for the perpetual spinach seeds last night and will prepare the soil for their arrival. I visit the allotment just about every day so will be able to keep my eye on the water situation. Hopefully the success or otherwise of the perpetual spinach will indicate my chances of growing lettuce there as well. :)
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If you keep them watered, shady areas are also useful for growing crops that dislike heat and bolt easily. Coriander, radish, oriental greens and salad crops may well do well over summer and early autumn.
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Yes, I was about to suggest pak choi, which like shade too
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pigeons don't like crispy lettuce
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pigeons don't like crispy lettuce
True say 😀
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Cabbages and flat leaf parsley, coriander, oriental leaves..pak choi, oh and green dwarf beans have done well for me
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Thank you to all for this advice. The perpetual spinach seeds went in this morning, thank you Robinahood. Looking at the speed with which the shade advances on one end of the plot I think I may become the leafy vegetable queen next season, well one can dream, especially the pigeon proof crispy lettuces.