How Do I Choose Crops For Shaded Areas?

“Hi, I’ve recently started a backyard farm, but a large portion of my backyard is shaded due to a couple of big trees. I’m wondering what types of crops I can grow in these shaded areas. Do you have any suggestions for plants that do well without full sunlight? I’m located in Portland, Oregon, USA.” thanks, Christine, Portland, USA.

How Do I Choose Crops For Shaded Areas?

Hi Christine! Shaded areas in a backyard farm can actually be quite advantageous if you know what to plant. Many crops flourish well without direct sunlight. Here’s an extensive guide to help you figure out what to grow in those dimly lit parts of your yard.

Understanding Different Types of Shade

First, it’s essential to understand the type of shade you’re dealing with. This will significantly influence your choice of plants:

• Full Shade: Areas that receive no direct sunlight at all. Typically found under dense tree canopies or beside tall structures.
• Partial Shade: Locations that get 3-6 hours of sunlight daily. Perhaps dappled sunlight through tree branches or just a few hours of morning or afternoon sun.
• Light Shade: These spots might get filtered light or sunlight that’s not intense, like under a trellis or permeable canopy.

Crops For Full Shade

If you have areas that get little to no direct sunlight, consider the following crops:

Leafy Greens

• Spinach: This versatile green thrives in full shade and loves cooler temperatures, which also means you can plant it earlier in the spring and later in the fall.
• Kale: Kale is highly tolerant of shade and will grow well throughout the year. Its flavor often improves after a frost.
• Lettuce: Various types of lettuce, including leaf and butterhead varieties, do well in shaded areas and can produce tender leaves even with limited sun.

Root Vegetables

• Beets: While not a fully shaded plant, beets can tolerate low light levels if the soil is rich and deep. Beets grown in shade might produce larger leaves and smaller roots.
• Carrots: Shaded areas slow down the growth of carrots, resulting in smaller but often more flavorful roots.
• Radishes: These fast-growing root vegetables are perfect for shaded conditions, especially with cool, loose soil.

Crops for Partial Shade

For areas that receive 3-6 hours of sunlight daily, many plants do wonderfully if they have some light access:

Herbs

• Mint: Mint grows aggressively in any setting but does very well in partial shade. Just be mindful it can take over your garden if not contained.
• Cilantro: Partial shade keeps cilantro from bolting too fast, extending its harvest period.
• Parsley: Parsley’s deep green leaves grow plentifully in areas with a mix of sun and shade.

Vegetables

• Peas: Peas prefer cooler temperatures and partial shade keeps them from overheating, especially in warmer months.
• Broccoli: Broccoli is another partial shade lover and produces heads well if given some light access.
• Cabbage: Partial shade helps cabbage maintain its moisture and grow lovely, crisp heads.

Crops for Light Shade

Light shade areas receive filtered or less intense sunlight and many crops flourish in these conditions:

Fruits

• Strawberries: Strawberry plants produce well in light shade, offering juicy berries while being protected from harsh sun.
• Raspberries: These berry bushes grow well with some light shade, as heavy sun can sometimes scorch their leaves.
• Currants: Currant bushes love dappled sunlight and produce clusters of berries that are wonderful in jams and jellies.

Additional Vegetables

• Cauliflower: Similar to broccoli, cauliflower appreciates cooler temperatures and light shade provides the right conditions.
• Swiss Chard: This colorful plant adds appeal to your garden and grows vigorously in areas with light shade.
• Endive: Known for its slightly bitter taste, endive grows fine in light shade, producing tender leaves.

Creating an Ideal Soil Environment

Christine, it’s important to remember that shade isn’t the only factor in plant growth. Your soil quality will also play a significant role, especially in shaded areas. Here are some tips for optimizing soil in low-light conditions:

• Compost: Adding compost to your shaded garden beds enriches the soil with nutrients and improves its structure.
• Moisture Management: Although shaded areas often retain moisture longer, ensure your soil is well-drained. Use organic mulch to help control soil moisture levels.
• Aeration: Aerate the soil to prevent compaction, which is more common in shaded, moist environments. This allows roots to breathe and grow effectively.

Using Companion Planting

Planting companions that thrive together can enhance growth and yield, even in shaded areas:

• Shade Tolerant Combinations: Try pairing lettuce with radishes or spinach with beets. They don’t compete fiercely for the same nutrients and can grow harmoniously in shaded spots.
• Herbs and Veggies: Planting shade-tolerant herbs like parsley or cilantro alongside broccoli or peas can be mutually beneficial.

Maintaining Your Shaded Garden

Proper care and maintenance can significantly impact the success of your shaded crops:

• Watering: Be mindful of watering needs. Shaded plants often require less frequent watering than those in full sun but ensure they receive regular moisture.
• Fertilizing: Shade-tolerant plants still need nutrients. Use a balanced fertilizer or organic compost to ensure they get all necessary nutrients.
• Pests: Shaded areas can sometimes be more prone to pests like slugs and snails. Keep an eye out and use organic methods, like diatomaceous earth or simple traps, to keep them at bay.

Monitoring and Adjusting

Keep track of how different crops are performing and make adjustments as necessary:

• Track Growth: Keep a gardening journal to note which plants thrive and which ones struggle. This helps in planning future crops suitable for shaded areas.
• Experiment: Gardening can be trial and error. Don’t hesitate to try new crops or different varieties that might better suit your specific shaded conditions.
• Rotate Crops: Rotate your crops each season to avoid soil depletion and pest cycles, even in shaded areas.

Final Thoughts…

Christine, thanks for reaching out with your intriguing question. Shaded areas hold a wealth of potential for growing a variety of delicious and nutritious crops. By understanding the nature of your shade and selecting the right plants, you can turn shaded spots into productive parts of your backyard farm. Good luck and enjoy the beauty and bounty of your shaded garden!