Shade Tolerant Vegetables (and Fruits)

Frequently Asked Question:
What edible plants will grow in shade?

It depends on your climate, soil, and what kind of shade you have. Is it solid shade cast by a large building, or dappled shade cast by trees? Few edibles will produce in all-day solid shade, but if you have broken shade, or direct sun for at least part of the day, there is hope of getting some vegetables to grow.

Shade is a blessing in hot climates. Areas that get 2 to 3 hours of sun in the morning followed by shade the rest of the day are ideal for growing leafy vegetables during the summer in hot climates.

Here is a list of the more shade-tolerant vegetables gleaned from previous discussions of this question in rec.gardens.edible

GREENS:

• arugula
• cabbage
• kale
• lettuce
• mustard greens
• pak choi
• parsley
• sorrel
• spinach

ALLIUMS:

• chives
• garlic chives
• onions

HERBS:

• cardamom
• mint

LEGUMES:

• peas
• bush beans

BERRIES:

• blackberry
• currants
• gooseberry
• strawberries