Part sun food crops?

[laohaire]

It seems to me that food crops pretty much are full-sun - which makes sense given that we want a lot of solar energy going into growing that food.

Are there any substantial food crops that can thrive in part sun (or even shade??)? I've been watching my yard all year and have concluded there is only one measly 3x3 foot patch that has anything close to full sun (and it isn't really - but it's close enough for my tomatos to grow at least).

So, what now? Do I cultivate mushrooms maybe?

[Callimom]

I've read that the plants we eat the leaves from will do fine in less than full sun - so lettuce, kale, spinach etc. Found this link
Here's a list of herbs that are shade tolerant

I have a yard that is mostly dampled shade to complete shade. We've managed lemon balm and mint, lettuce and in the spots that get a bit of morning sun we've done leaf lettuce and nasturiums, basil and parsley.

Blackberries and some blueberries will also grow in partly shady spots.

I guess it depends on how much shade you have.

Good luck!

[sunnysandiegan]

Herbs often prefer some shade. We have parsley and bay growing in the shadiest spot in our backyard right now and they are thriving.

We did an experiment with beets and they seem to prefer some shade. Same with our blueberry bush.

There is more to it than just sun and shade, though. Heat and humidity and brightness play a part as well.

[AAK]

They probably aren't listed, but currently my peas are doing well in part shade. I also have lettuce, onions, radishes, and spinach that have done well in part shade. Does any part of your lawn get morning sun? Even if the sun is gone in the afternoon, morning sun can do the trick.

Amy

[laohaire]

Yes, there's a part that gets morning sun, though it hasn't been very strong this year at least. But then no sun in that part after the morning.

I have another part with dappled sun throughout the day - shining through the forest. But it's not much sun. I have some irises thriving there. But I like food better than flowers

Basically we abut mountain forest to the south, so there's not much sun that gets through at all.

I do have a stretch that gets afternoon sun only as well, but like the morning sun area, it's just not that strong sunlight most days. I'm in Massachusetts so it's not like strong southern sun.