Not all owners of summer cottages and private houses have a plot perfectly flat and fully illuminated by the sun. And I still want to equip the beds! Our tips site will tell you what you can grow in a shaded area and give examples of how you can equip a vegetable garden on a rather steep slope.
Problem # 1 – shady area
The shadow can be created by outbuildings, tall trees, neighbors’ houses, a fence – whatever. And this becomes a problem for the owners, because you can’t demolish buildings, and you don’t want to cut trees. First you need to estimate how much the area is shaded:
- Very much, the sun does not come here at all. This means that garden crops cannot be grown here, forget about this idea. Either solve the problem with the shadow, or equip something else in this area. Build a garden shed, for example. Or fold the firebox.
- The site is illuminated by the sun for only a couple of hours a day. This already makes it possible to break the beds. In such a shade, bush beans, wild garlic, rhubarb, leeks, horseradish, celery, as well as lettuce, watercress, arugula, mustard, Swiss chard will feel good. It grows well in the shade of mint, which practically does not need to be looked after. Experts note that all the listed useful plants in the shade will only be juicier and more tender than in direct sunlight..
- Partial shade – the area is illuminated for at least 5 hours a day. This significantly expands the possibilities of using the vegetable garden. In partial shade, cucumbers, parsley, radishes, legumes, and strawberries grow well, which almost always grows under trees in natural conditions. Therefore, it is not necessary to say that a plot in partial shade cannot be used for a vegetable garden. It offers many possibilities for the selection of suitable plants..
Problem # 2 – slope site
This is a more serious task. The portal gave you ideas for arranging a plot on a slope, including arranging a vegetable garden. In this case, you can go in two ways:
- Build reliable retaining walls. For example, there are many options to use gabions, dry rubble masonry, walls made of bricks and blocks on cement mortar. The walls should be made not too high, it makes no sense. The main thing is that they do not allow rainwater to wash off the fertile soil layer and wash away the roots of plants.
- Tall, smart beds. Their capabilities have already been appreciated by many gardeners and they equip such boxes from scrap materials even on flat areas. And on the slope, this is often the only option to get a harvest of vegetables..
Landscaping experts assure that even the most inappropriate-looking plot can be turned into a wonderful vegetable garden and get excellent yields. The main thing is not to give up, think over everything well, choose the best solution and put in your work.
A garden in the shade and on a slope – examples of solving the problem
Creating a garden in the shade or on a slope can prove challenging, but with the right knowledge and planning, these conditions can be turned into advantages. This article will provide examples of successfully solving the problem of gardening on a slope or in the shade, from wildflower meadows to potted patio gardens. The key to success is finding the right combination of plants which will thrive in the damp and shady conditions. Additionally, there are some simple solutions to reduce the effects of the slope such as terracing, mounding, and raised beds. Proper drainage is also essential for preventing waterlogging. With these techniques, even a shaded or sloped garden can be transformed into an abundant and lush oasis.
Improvement of the territory 
Can you share some examples of creative solutions for a garden that is both in the shade and on a slope? How can one overcome the challenges posed by these conditions to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space?