Shady Plants
Sixteen backyard plants that grow well in “partial shade” which is three to six hours of direct sun light. They are also shallow rooting items, so either in ground or salad box gardens work great. Eat fresh and grow a garden, I can help get you started!
SIXTEEN SHADY PLANTS
BEETS: 45 -50 days from seed to harvest, plant 3” apart, needs 3-5 hrs of sun. I plant beets twice a season for two crops. Companions with: green onions and the all cabbage family member.
BROCCOLI, CABBAGE, CAULIFLOWER, and BOK CHOY: 65 -80 days from starts, needs 4-5 hrs. of sun. Generally, these are a once a year crop in Vermont unless you stragger planting dates for extended harvests.
CELERY: 75 days from starts, plant 2’apart as starts. needs 3-5 hrs of sunlight. MUSTAD GREENS and ARUGULA: from seed or starts, needs 3-4 hrs of sunlight
SPINACH, LETTUCES, and SWISS CHARD: 30-45 days, needs 3-5 hrs of direct sunlight. I plant most as a cover crop, broadcasting seeds in any open spot and under tall plants like like Kale. All three will companion well with everything!
KALE: 45 days from starts/ 65 from seed plant 2’ apart, needs 4-5 hrs of direct sunlight. This is a HIGH yielding plant that does exceptionally well all season into winter even. Companions: salad greens, spicy mesclun, and herbs
ONIONS and LEEKS: 70 days, space 3-4” apart, needs 3-4 hrs of direct sunlight. Plant early and often if you like green onions. Use sets and the big ones are not better. Companions: chard, beets, and lettuces. PEAS: 55-60 days, needs 4-5 hrs of direct sunlight, space 6” seeds apart and grow on a fence trellis for support. Spring and Fall harvests are possible with a mid July second planting. RADISH: 45 days to harvest from seed, needs 4-5 hrs direct sunlight. I use radish as row markers for other items because they germinate fast and companion with all the other stuff listed except beets.
