Lee Valley Tools - Gardening Newsletter Vol. 3, Issue 4

Gardening Newsletter
Vol. 3, Issue 4
August 2008

Shade Gardening

During springtime in the shade garden, sun-loving plants can flourish because there are no leaves on the bushes and trees above them.

Watering
It's important to keep light-deficient gardens watered, as shade-loving plants prefer a moist but not saturated environment.

Disease
Fungal infection, which is associated with damp conditions, is the most common disease in shade beds. Combat it by not overplanting, by watering in early morning and by assuring that plants are evenly spaced to permit natural air-drying.

Fertilizing
Use an application of low-nitrogen fertilizer (a 5-10-10 mix) in the spring and feed twice more in the summer with a few applications of compost, manure or balanced fertilizer.

Location Problems
Many shade gardens are planted under trees, and gardeners should consider that these trees will always compete for moisture and nutrients. Some, such as black walnut, release substances that are harmful to certain plants.