Veggies and herbs for growing in shady areas?

[berkshiremom]

Hello, newbie here...ran across this site through BYC. Hubby and I have had a great year with our garden and are looking to expand some more next spring. The problem is the only areas left are almost all shade, with maybe a brief peek of sunlight now and then. I was wondering if there are any of you on here who have had any luck growing anything edible in shade? So far stawberries is all that I have been able to grow in the shade. Does anyone know of any veggies or herbs that can handle alot of shade? We are in Western MA, (zone 5 I think) Any help with growing edible goodies in shade would be appreciated...Thanks

 

[ducks4you]

Only lettuce, and that's when it's too hot to grow it in full sun. Have you considered "raising the crown" on your trees? I did just that to a row of 6 thirty-foot pine trees whose shade was killing my lawn underneath. I took a power saw to all branches up to my chest. I didn't need to dispose of them because I live in the country and just added them to my Fall burn pile, BUT, you could use a chipper/shredder to mulch them, and use that around you beds. Hope this helps!
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[hoodat]

Most of the Chinese greens will grow in open shade during hot weather. Not much will grow there in early Spring or late Fall.

 

[ninnymary]

My mint grows in the shade.

Mary

 

[digitS']

Chives seem to do very well in the shade.

I have a good-sized patch in the shadiest part of my yard. There is a board fence to the south and the carport/garage is to the north. There is only a 2' path between some of the chives and that solid board fence and they are so close to the carport that snow slides off the roof, burying them thru the winter. That is complete shade except early in the morning.

I have a shady corner garden in one veggie garden. Other onion family plants do okay there but really need to be in the sunniest part of that ground. Otherwise, they grow tall and flop over!

Lettuce and bok choy, yes! Spinach, too. Mints, as well.

If you find ways to allow more light into the garden - opt for morning sun if you can.

Steve

 

[berkshiremom]

I just wanted to say thanks to all who responded to my question..So it looks like I'll be putting in some mint, chives, lettuce mix and spinach!! I will move the spinach and lettuce from the large garden to free up some sunny space and try moving them to the shadier area. keep the ideas coming..please! Thanks