Shady plot

Falcon_man · « **on:** February 09, 2008, 23:02 »

With it being such a nice day up here I went down the allotment today to do lots of digging and clearing. After a while down there I realised that my plot is in the shade of quite a large tree.

Could this be a big problem? The previous owners gave up after less than one year and I'm wondering if it was because the plants didn't get enough sun light.

Are there any veg that I should avoid if my plot is shady? Are there any that go better in the shade? Any help or advice would be good, was hoping to start with these for this year:

Carrots, potatoes, beetroot, onions, lettuce, spinage, parsnips, leeks, turnip, peas, beans, kale and cabbage.
Thanks

gobs · « **Reply #1 on:** February 10, 2008, 05:24 »

One tree should not be a major problem, unless it is right on a small plot from the South, which can still be managed. You can lift the crown by losing a few low lying branches.

Some soft fruit will do OK in shadier parts, also lettuce and spinach, well, most salad leaf things should be fine.

Put beans, carrots in the sunnier parts for this year and lift the tree's crown more again next year, if needed. You don't want to cut too much off in one go.

If it's not from the south, I'd probably leave alone other than sick, dead brunches which might fall on you or your seedlings in windy weather.

Its shade will be welcome by all in the summer.

If we have one. :roll:

PS: Don't attack tree and chain saw if not confident about it, a lot of accidents to be had! Moan to Committee or pay a few quid to a pro. :roll:

crowndale · « **Reply #2 on:** February 10, 2008, 07:35 »

Also, don't forget that the sun you get in winter is a lot lower than the summer, you may get a lot more sun over the summer months. The top end of my plot is quite shady at the moment but I've seen it in summer and its a lot lighter then. Mind you the greenhouse was literally green (somewhat like my conservatory!) so I know it doesn't get full sun every day up that end!

gobs · « **Reply #3 on:** February 10, 2008, 10:04 »

True, but it's also about the roots of them, you looking to grow most veg a few metres away from a tree, but you need space for a nettle patch, leaf mulch bin, etc., those can all go there.

noshed · « **Reply #4 on:** February 10, 2008, 18:45 »

Lettuce.

Falcon_man · « **Reply #5 on:** February 10, 2008, 21:15 »

Thanks for the replies.

Gobs unfortunatly I can't cut the tree as it's in someones garden.

I was taking to the lady who owns the allotment next to me and she said that mine was up to half in shade even in high summer last year :-(

Will just have to take my chances and see what happens

blackhobbescat · « **Reply #6 on:** February 11, 2008, 08:44 »

I'm in a similar boat, but fortunately have two plots for the price of one, as one is overshadowed by the most enormous apple tree! I'm approaching this year as a bit of an experiment. If nothing much grows under the tree, then I'm going to turn it into a seating area, with a pond, etc, and use the rest of the plot for production!

Perhaps you could approach those in charge and ask for a reduced fee due to your concerns about productivity.

Could you approach the person whose tree it is? Perhaps ask if you can prune it slightly. Also, if it is a fruit tree, perhaps you can just make use of the produce from it! I was giving away cooking apples for weeks in the Autumn!

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