In the right spot

Here we feature an extract from the new RHS book Grow Food Anywhere by Lucy Chamberlain, which is all about putting the right crops in the right place

- Lucy Chamberlain

As gardeners we are used to gaining some knowledge of what plants do better in certain situations and our food crops are no different as they also have their preferences. In Lucy Chamberlain's new book she discusses different zones and the crops that thrive in them. Some of the zones include indoors, sunny or dry situations and also shade and the latter is the one we highlight here. First though you need to make a plan of your plot.

MAPPING YOUR PLOT

No two plots are the same, so by "reading" your plot's landscape you'll feel more connected to it, and more confident. You'll also be perfectly placed to choose crops that will thrive in it. The objective when mapping your plot is to gain an understanding of where the sunny south and west-facing corners are. These suntraps are perfect for cultivating sugar-packed apricots, figs and peaches. Chillies, lemongrass and tomatoes will positively beam at such a naturally warm microclimate – no greenhouses, polytunnels, or propagators required. However, north and east-facing shadier spots are no longer "the enemy". Alpine strawberries, rhubarb, sorrel, gooseberries, land cress and chervil will all thank you enormously for the cool relief, come summer.