Top 10 Vegetables Suitable for Growing in Shaded Areas
Sick of sun-soaked gardens? No worries, mate! Turn that gloomy, shadowy patch into a bountiful vegetable haven with these 10 veggies that thrive in the shade. Even better, they'll need fewer H2Os and keep those scorching temps at bay. Let's dive in!
Swiss chard
Perk up your plates with these rainbow-stemmed stalks. Young or large, these guys make swell additions to salads or spinach dishes. The alluring 'Bright Lights' variety adds a pop of color to your garden and table. Plant from March to September; just don't forget to shield them from frost with a cozy fleece. Get the lowdown on how to grow Swiss chard in our guide.
Brassicas
They're not just for sun-drenched patches – brassicas like cabbages, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts can handle shade with ease! Sow seeds in the spring and protect from pesky cabbage white butterflies with netting from Crocus.
Beetroot
These root veggies fare well in shade, but a bit of sunlight boosts their chances before transplanting. Opt for 'Boltardy' for that sweet taste, or go for 'Burpee's Golden' or 'Chioggia' for an eye-catching twist. Sow every few weeks in spring and summer for a continuous stash of roots.
Salad leaves
Lightweight lettuces like oak-leaf types or 'Lollo Rosso', or spicy leaves such as mizuna, will thrive in shaded spots. Warm soil is a must, so sow seeds once the weather turns balmy in spring and continue every few weeks for a steady stream of greens. Dig into our guide on how to sow salad leaves in pots.
Kohlrabi
Sow kohlrabi seeds little and often, especially when temps hit 10°C or higher. Water them regularly, and prepare to munch on those swollen stems in butter, stews, or raw salads. Don't forget: the leaves can be eaten like cabbage!
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Radishes
Radishes can be ready to chomp on within a few weeks of planting! Their spicy zing adds zip to salads. Keep planting for ongoing, effortless harvests. Get the lowdown on how to sow radishes in our guide.
Carrots
Carrots can endure a bit of afternoon shade, but be gentle when thinning out seedlings, as their scent attracts carrot flies. Or go the pest-resistant route with 'Flyaway' from Crocus and 'Resistafly' from Thompson & Morgan.
Leeks
Morning sun and afternoon shade are a-ok for leeks. Try reliable, hardy varieties like 'Musselburgh' and 'Autumn Giant' for a hearty harvest.
Kale
Kale is sturdy enough to handle light shade – go for 'Black Tuscany', 'Red Winter', 'Dwarf Green Curled', or 'Red Curled'. Regular picking encourages more to regrow!
Broad Beans
Got some shade? Broad beans will love it! Early maturing 'Aquadulce Claudia' will be ready a month sooner than other varieties. So, grab your broad bean seeds from Crocus, Dobies, Thompson & Morgan, or Suttons and get growing!
Transform your home-and-garden lifestyle by cultivating vegetables in the shade, even in your home-and-garden's shadowy patches. Varieties like Swiss chard, with its rainbow-stemmed stalks, can thrive in this environment, making a perfect choice for your gardening endeavors.
