Shade Garden Habitat
Homeowners and gardeners searching for plants to grow in the shade, should
take a little time to learn the growing conditions required by a shade garden.
The native environment of shade loving plants is often much different from
that of sun loving plants. Armed with this knowledge, adjustments to the
environment are sometimes needed, to assist your shade plants in growing
healthy and strong.
When we think about deep, heavily shaded woodlands, we realize that the native
forest floor has a dense layer of organic matter. The soil is also likely
moist at all times. Air circulation could be absent. You can provide these
conditions to your backyard environment, to improve the success of your shade
garden.
Habitat Basics:
Lighting: There isn't one type of shade. There's heavy shade, partial
shade, medium shade, and everything in between. Unless you want (and are
able) to change the lighting conditions, select plants for the lighting
conditions of your yard. You may be able to change the lighting conditions
immediately, or over time. Light can be added by cutting branches or trees,
or by removing or thinning a shrub. Conversely, you can add shade by planting
a tree or tall growing shrub. It usually takes time to add shade.
Soil condition: pH levels preferred by shade loving plants are often
more alkaline than those in your sun bathed flower and vegetable gardens.
Thinking again about the forest floor, the dense layer of rich organic matter
may be absent in your yard. Adding ample amounts of compost and humus will
reap big rewards.
Moisture: Deep in the woods, it's often damp, and the soil is usually
(but not always moist). You may need to water frequently if your soil is
poor, or if the heavy leaf cover doesn't allow rainfall to penetrate to where
you've placed your shade plants. In addition, moisture remains on leaves
of plants longer where the sun doesn't shine. Moisture on the leaves can
promote molds and fungus disease. We recommend watering at ground level,
or use of soaker hoses.
Air Circulation: Air circulation can be absent. This again promotes
plant disease. Conversely, there could be little protection from high winds,
and result in damaging delicate plants. A wind break may be needed.
More Information:
Information on types of shade plants
Find Shade Lovers:
Buy
Ferns
Buy
Hostas
Buy Shade
Loving Bulbs
Buy Flower Seeds - Deep discounts on Ferry Morse seeds
every day of the year.
The Envirocycle Compost/ Compost Tea maker is the perfect solution for organic
gardeners who want to make compost and collect compost tea. It does both!
Buy Composter/Compost Tea Maker now
|
