Suggestions for this patch where it is difficult to grow plants.
by
Sunush
+6
I have this patch which was created to grow vegetables. In the past, I have tried to grow and nothing works here except this reed like plant ( I don't know the name of this plant). This patch is under the shade of a lemon tree and in the west side of the yard mostly in the shade. Please give me suggestions as to whether tilling is needed for growing plants or what else can be done to this area.
9 answers
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I live in Missouri but I love a challenge so I googled some sites for you in your area. http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/azgard/2004052920028446.html and http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/complants/msg011531087891.html had a great post: I live in southern california and have a 60-year old valencia orange. I have leatherleaf fern and clivia growing along the drip line on the shady side, lavendar, society garlic, and lamb's ear on the sunny side.I keep the area directly under the tree free of growth of anykind and mulch there with shredded bark. No fertilizer in years. This tree never fails to produce an abundant crop of excellent oranges.
Laurie
on Jun 16, 2013
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I have seen ferns growing really well in CA, but here I don't know how they will do. I think lavender needs sunlight. I may try garlic and ginger.
Sunush
on Jun 16, 2013
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I sounds like the reason plants won't grow in that spot is poor soil. I would put as much compost dirt in the space and till it in then put shade loving plants in the space. I would check with your City or County about getting free composted soil, if available or purchase some Black Kow manure in the bright yellow bag. I use it in all my beds and pots. You have to replenish the soil nutrients in your beds often to keep everything healthy.
Cyndi Moore Tippett
on Jun 16, 2013
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if you decide to lay sod, it is my understanding you have a sod farm close by. My husband and I just laid about 1200 sq. feet of sod in our yard and half of it was "scrape" from the field. They will sell it to you cheap or on a good day they will give it to you if you pick it up. The cost and our time putting it down was worth it in the "million" dollar curb appeal. You will love it.
Cyndi Moore Tippett
on Jun 16, 2013
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Usha, what you need to so is select shade-tolerant plants. It looks like you need something low, so here is a list of ground covers from the University of Arizona College of Agriculture. Check on the right side for the amount of sun they need: http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/az1110.pdf
Douglas Hunt
on Jun 17, 2013
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I have no idea what to plant there, but the unidentified plant is Papyrus. Cut off a stalk place it upside down in glass jar and a new plant will root and grow up out of the water. My children loved sharing this at school. Of course, that was the old days.
Carolyn L
on Jun 19, 2013
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I guess the plant has to go, new compost added and some shade loving plants sown.
Sunush
on Jun 19, 2013
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I don't know what that is that you have there but I would rip it out and plant mother of ferns and hostas there are 3 kinds and there are about a dozen shade loving plants. If it gets any sun at all I would add a hydrangea.
Debbie Moore
on Jul 14, 2014
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Thanks Debbie. Since then, I have removed those plants and curt the overhanging lemon branches and planted a few other plants.
Sunush
on Jul 14, 2014
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