What are some good veggies to grow in partial shade?

Hello,


My mother has wanted a vegetable garden for decades, but she lives in a forest. The forest was so dense that there was no grass on the ground. Only moss. Last summer, my parents had the forest thinned as part of a forest management program. Now there are areas around their house that get sunlight for about 60% of normal daylight hours. My brother and I have decided that we will build a small ~350 sq. ft. garden for an early Mothers' day gift to mom. I have my own garden (it's a normal sunny veggie garden) so I don't need any tips on making the actual garden. If you would like to share, though, feel free. What I am really looking for are some specific varieties of veggies that would do well in partial shade. If you know of any good ones, I would be glad to hear of them. I think Mom mostly wants tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, zucchini, etc. You know, typical veggie garden plants. Mom lives in Central WI, right on the border of zones 4a and 4b, if that helps. Thanks

What are some good veggies to grow in partial shade?
I had a partial sun vegetable garden in Minneapolis, which is solidly zone 4. I had great success with cucumbers, green beans and hot peppers in addition to tomatoes and tomatillos. I found that the small tomatoes such as cherry and grape did better for me than large types, though I also had pretty good yields from Early Girl and a few container types. My best cukes were pickler types. I think zucchini would do fine. Lettuce and other greens for sure would. Beans, too. I would just try stuff, plants can surprise you and do better than you would ever think.


I think your fence will probably be all right but if you're really worried about it make a top piece that angles out. The further back the deer has to be the higher the jump effectively is.
Reply:Vegetables that are fruit (tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, beans, etc) need a lot more light than vegetables that are leaves (lettuce, cabbage, chard, etc) or roots (carrots, turnips). Hence, you might have difficulty getting much of a yield of tomatoes, but lettuce will probably work. However, it is worth trying out a variety of vegetables and seeing what works.
Reply:I know peas like mainly morning sun, so if you have a spot that would work out that way, you could try some peas. Tomatoes like lots of light, so they may not be the best, but you could give it a try.





Your local extension office will be a treasure trove of info on planting ideas for your location. Goodluck!
Reply:Most any variety of peas do well in the shade. Summer Squash can also make it if you start them from hothouse plants.



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