The first strategy for employing cool, sha
ded areas on your property is to plant vegetables, fruits and greens that thrive despite the lower light and temperatures. When selecting vegetables for shade, think heads and roots, instead of fruits that require more energy, and thus more light. Cool season vegetables and greens, such as cauliflower, broccoli, lettuces, kale, carrots and radishes, don’t mind cool, shaded conditions. Many herbs can thrive in low light, as well as onions, peas and green beans.
Harvest to Table has a great list of shade tolerant crops and more tips for growing in shaded locations at Vegetables and Herbs for Growing in Shade.
Additionally, the Mother Earth News website posts a chart of the Best Shade-Tolerant Vegetables that includes shade notes and growing tips for each variety.
