Thriving Crops in the Shade: A Deep Dive into Forest Garden Plant Selection

Forest gardens are complex ecosystems designed to mimic the structure and functions of natural forests while also providing a variety of useful and edible plants. These gardens consist of multiple layers, including tall canopy trees, understory trees and shrubs, climbing plants, ground covers, and low-growing crops. Among these layers, the low-growing crops that thrive in shade play a crucial role.

In the world of forest gardening, understanding the level of shade is essential when selecting plants for the lower layers. This is because the degree of shade can vary significantly depending on the density and height of the canopy above. Some areas may be in shadow for most of the day, while others receive dappled or intermittent sunlight. To optimize the productivity and diversity of the forest garden, it's important to choose plants that can tolerate and even flourish in these shaded conditions.

One category of shade-tolerant plants includes those that are true woodland species. These plants have evolved to thrive in the low-light conditions of the forest floor. One such plant is Good King Henry (Chenopodium bonus-henricus), a herbaceous perennial belonging to the spinach family. While it's mentioned in books and seed catalogues, it's important to note that its young leaves are not suitable for raw consumption due to their bitter-tasting saponins. Instead, they are typically cooked to make them palatable. Interestingly, the plant has other valuable aspects. Its young flower shoots, for instance, are chunky and easy to prepare, resembling "Lincolnshire asparagus" when stripped of their soapy skin. Moreover, Good King Henry has the potential to yield seeds that can serve as a temperate, perennial alternative to quinoa, making it a valuable addition to a forest garden.

Moving on to another shade-loving plant, Snowbell (Allium triquetrum) is a unique find with onion-scented leaves and a green stripe on each petal. Thriving in the shade, it starts growing in autumn and continues through a mild winter when many other alliums are dormant. Snowbell's leaves can be used as leeks or onion tops, and its bulbs have a mild garlic flavor. This versatile plant can add both aesthetic appeal and culinary diversity to a forest garden.

Wild garlic (Allium ursinum and tricoccum), also known as bear garlic, ramsons, or ramps, is a shade-adapted allium species with broad, soft leaves. It is well-suited for growing in the heavy shade of moist woodland soils. Wild garlic possesses a robust garlic flavor in all its parts, making it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Its leaves are ideal for salads or sandwich fillings, and wild garlic pesto can deliver a punch of flavor. However, what truly sets wild garlic apart is its transformation when cooked. It loses its intense garlicky taste and becomes a mild, oniony pot herb, making it suitable for a wide range of dishes.

Ground elder (Aegopodium podagraria), despite its reputation as a garden weed, is also a tasty perennial vegetable that can thrive in the shade. Historically grown in monastery gardens and bishops' palaces, it has culinary potential. To manage its spreading tendencies, it's best grown in full shade. A variegated variety can be less invasive while maintaining its taste. Preventing it from flowering and seeding is essential, and its young flower stems are a delicious culinary resource.

These are just a few examples of shade-tolerant crops that can be cultivated in a forest garden. Each plant has its unique characteristics and uses, adding diversity and flavor to the forest garden's edible and functional layers. As gardeners and forest garden enthusiasts explore these shade-loving options, they contribute to the creation of productive, sustainable, and biodiverse ecosystems within their own garden spaces.

Shade-Friendly Crops for Forest Gardens: In 'A Food Forest in Your Garden,' author Alan Carter delves into the world of plants that thrive in shade, a vital layer within the forest garden ecosystem. As we explore the low-growing crops beneath the trees and shrubs, understanding shade requirements becomes paramount. This chapter focuses on crops capable of flourishing in shaded conditions for most of the day. Some are native woodland species perfectly adapted to shade, while others benefit from the coolness of the forest canopy, resulting in tender growth and controlled spread. Discover a variety of these shade-tolerant plants, from Good King Henry to wild garlic, each offering unique culinary possibilities.