Growing Fruit and Vegetables in the Shade
- artfulgardensnz
- Apr 30
- 1 min read
Updated: May 2
Sometimes the only area of a garden suitable for a vege patch is a shady spot.
Below is a list of herbs, vegetables, fruit and beneficial flowers that will perform with as little as three hours a day of sunlight.
Vegetables
Mesclun mix
Rocket
Spinach
Kale
Silverbeet
Celery
Brassicas
Fruit Bushes
Raspberry
Currants
Gooseberry
Blackberry
Rhubarb
Fruit Trees
Sour Fruiting Cherry Tree
Herbs
Parsley
Mint
Thyme
Dill
Coriander
Chives
Lemon balm
Beneficial Flowers
Lemon Balm- attracts pollinators
Viola- attracts pollinators
Dill- attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, deters unwanted pests
Alyssum- attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, deters unwanted pests
Mint- attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, deters unwanted pests
Calendula- attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, deters unwanted pests
Chives- attract pollinators and beneficial insects, deter unwanted pests. Chives have a deep root system that helps improve soil health.
There are positives to growing edibles in the shade, less watering and your leafy crops are unlikely to ‘bolt’ into flowerheads on a hot day
Even within a small garden bed you may get areas that will receive different amounts of sunlight and shade, frost and/or shelter. Trial and error each year will probably be the best teacher in telling you where each fruit, vegetable and herb will thrive in your garden.
For more advice like this see What Plant Where- A Simple Garden Making Guide For Aotearoa New Zealand Gardens or book an on-site garden consultation with Artful Gardens today.
