Spinach
Denny Schrock
Spinach is a cool-season cropthat can begrown for springor fall harvest.
The spring crop will likely last longer in a partly shaded garden because it will be slower to bolt.
Then, harvest as needed to add flavor to your meals all through summer.
Credit: Dana Gallagher
Tip:Shade-grown herbs tend to grow leggy as they reach for the sun.
To prevent this and encourage bushier growth, trim tall stems and pinch back leaves above the leaf nodes.
Tip:Beans and peas have similar growing needs, so they makeexcellent companion plants.
Credit:Kindra Clineff
This will encourage healthy root development.
Thin seedlings to about three inches apart, and dont forget that beet leaves can also be eaten.
Young beet leaves are great additions to salads and stir-fries.
Credit:Denny Schrock
They can bestarted indoors, sown directly in the ground, or evengrown from leftover onion scraps.
Sow new seeds every few weeks from early spring through summer for a continuous harvest.
Kale
Peter Krumhardt
Kale is a hearty vegetablethat grows in shade and thrives in cooler temperatures.
Credit: Bob Stefko
In mild regions, it may even survive winter andprovide a very long harvest season.
Sow outdoors in early spring and again in summer for a fall/winter crop.
The leaves and celery-like stems of Swiss chard can be eaten raw or cooked.
Credit: Bob Stefko
Sow several plantings at two-week intervals to extend the harvest season.
Leaves taste best when harvested youngless than three inches long.
The above crops are among the best vegetables that grow in shade.
Credit:Bob Stefko
Leafy greens likecabbage, mustard greens, and lettuce do well in shady areas where sun protection prevents bolting.
Select plants with similar growth habits to achieve the highest yield.
Credit:Cameron Sadeghpour
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Bob Stefko
Credit: Bob Stefko
Credit:Peter Krumhardt
Credit:Brie Williams
Credit:Bob Stefko
