I signed up for a community garden plot this spring. I had heard my community had space for this and that the plots were only given out on a seniority basis, and then whatever was left over was dueled out as first-come-first-serve. And so I religiously checked the community website all through February and March, watching for sign-ups. On the evening registration was open, I raced home and flew to the community center (luckily not getting stopped for speeding or running stop signs!) and was able to obtain one. "What luck!!!" I thought to myself, because I really only thought I would have about a 10% chance of getting one. But then again maybe nobody thinks all day about gardening like I do. (I take a moment to laugh at myself here.)
I was overjoyed, until about two weeks ago when I visited my assigned plot and found that it's on the edge of the woods...with no sunlight hitting the ground AT ALL. I couldn't believe it, and so I went back at 10am, 1pm, 3pm and then finally at 5...shade all the way around. Not even a partly-sunny corner. I am not going to lie, I was angry, bitter, and depressed for over a week.
But now I am thinking, is this yet another shade challenge?
Can vegetables be grown in full shade?
I am going to continue with this, purely for experimental purposes. And for you, my dear readers who also may be drenched in shadows of trees and buildings. There has got to be something that can be done and damnit I will find a way.
Today, I put in my cold weather veggies - snow peas, lettuce, spinach, and onions. I said a prayer over them - hey you never know what may help!! I am thinking it will take nothing short of divine intervention to work. But time will tell.
I was overjoyed, until about two weeks ago when I visited my assigned plot and found that it's on the edge of the woods...with no sunlight hitting the ground AT ALL. I couldn't believe it, and so I went back at 10am, 1pm, 3pm and then finally at 5...shade all the way around. Not even a partly-sunny corner. I am not going to lie, I was angry, bitter, and depressed for over a week.
But now I am thinking, is this yet another shade challenge?
Can vegetables be grown in full shade?
I am going to continue with this, purely for experimental purposes. And for you, my dear readers who also may be drenched in shadows of trees and buildings. There has got to be something that can be done and damnit I will find a way.
Today, I put in my cold weather veggies - snow peas, lettuce, spinach, and onions. I said a prayer over them - hey you never know what may help!! I am thinking it will take nothing short of divine intervention to work. But time will tell.
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