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 Post subject: Shade Loving Veggies
PostPosted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 3:01 pm 
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I have read about this a few other places, but thought I'd see what some southern gardeners have to say. I have several flower beds around my house that are either standing vacant, overrun with ground covers, or are harboring weeds. I'd like to put them to use. I've tried flowers in a few, but I think the lack of sun is hampering even those. I've read that flowering/fruiting veggies don't do well in the shade, and understandably so (don't want anyone thinking I'm a total newb here).

So leafy greens are supposed to do well. I'm considering filling the front flower bed with colorful greens, like varieties of lettuce, and kale, as well as some vibrant swiss chard. Does anyone else do this? I live in Houston, TX, so I fully expect the summer heat to eventually knock out the tender greens. But I'd like to think I could still get 5-6 months out of the year out of them. I'll spend the rest of the time with some impatients or just a cheap ground cover to keep my HOA off my back.

Thoughts, ideas...? Let me have it!

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 Post subject: Re: Shade Loving Veggies
PostPosted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 8:57 pm 
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Location: Fort Worth,TEXAS
Swiss chard is used as an edging plant at the Dallas Arboretum, a friend tells me. I have it planted in a spot that gets a few hours of morning sun, the rest of the day in shade. Peppers can tolerate some shade (they might produce better than in full sun.)

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 Post subject: Re: Shade Loving Veggies
PostPosted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 6:44 am 
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Location: Dallas,TEXAS
Even with peppers you'll need at least 5-6 hours of sun for production. There are some herbs that can tolerate shade, but all veggies need full sun. Greens are cool season crops in Texas so you won't be able to grow them for much longer. How much sun do you have?

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