Hey everyone! I'm trying to figure out how to utilize a shady area in my garden where grass just won't grow—it's mostly moss. There's a huge apricot tree on one side and a laurel hedge on the other, which blocks a lot of sunlight, even though my garden faces south. I live in Rome, Italy, where the climate is pretty mild, and it seems spring is getting an early start this year (not sure if that's due to climate change or not). I'm considering setting up raised beds, but I'm a bit lost on what edible plants would thrive in this low-light situation. Any suggestions?
3 Answers
I've had great results with kale, parsley, and cilantro in shady spots. They really struggle in the heat, so this cooler area should be perfect for them!
Definitely go for cool season crops! I plant my lettuce, brassicas, cilantro, and parsley in the partially shaded sections of my garden, and they do well there.
You might want to try planting cabbages since they actually prefer some shade. Too much sun can cause them to bolt, so this shady spot could work well for them. They grow slower too, so that won’t be an issue at all!

Totally agree! Lettuce does the same, especially during the hot summer months.