[missmoneypenny]

In my ongoing quest for more space I have been accorded a couple of rows between espaliered apple trees, on the allotment’s communal plot. The space is about 1 m between each row. I’m thinking of trying parsley, lettuce, radishes, maybe spinach. Does that sound reasonable? Any other ideas? Thanks for any inspiration!

[Ali T]

I have some new 4ft wide raised beds between mature fruit trees and was going to try coriander, mixed salad leaves and also some 'forest edge' fruit like blackberries, currants and gooseberries (Grown on cordons to minimise space)?

[New shoot]

I’m thinking of trying parsley, lettuce, radishes, maybe spinach.

They are all worth a try.  Anything that bolts given too much heat does OK in some shade. 

My small plot is shaded on the top half from trees.  It gets full sun first thing, then shade in the afternoon.  I grow cabbage, chard, perpetual spinach, kale, oriental greens and salad leaves as well as spinach and lettuce there.  I’ve successfully grown turnips as well, so radish should be fine.

[missmoneypenny]

Thanks for the suggestions both. Ali T, I won’t have the space and I suspect the authorisation for fruit bushes as they’d be permanent fixtures. I hadn’t thought of turnips New shoot, but I like that idea as I’m hoping to grow them for the 1st time this year. Never been very successful with spinach but I might give it a go.

[Yorkie]

Given the proximity of fruit trees, I would avoid anything substantial with its own permanent root system or that grows predominantly under the ground.

So that would rule out currants etc., I agree.

[Subversive_plot]

Rhubarb grows quite well for me, even in nearly total shade (but it is warmer here in the growing season).  It should be fine in partial shade.  Expect stems to be greener than rhubarb grown in the sun, but the taste is the same. 

If you prefer red with your rhubarb, add strawberries (or something similar) to add some pink or red to the recipe.

[Goosegirl]

I think brassicas like cauliflowers can do well as they won't "blow" like they can do in full sun.