Getting started

Sow seeds

in a sunny spot, to get them off to the best start. Sow on a bright windowsill, or in the sunniest part of the garden, and plant out into shadier areas when they have good roots.

Choose crops

that can be grown up supports and into the light, such as beans and courgette ‘Tromboncino’ – this needs sun but can be trained up a frame so the fruit can ripen in the warm light.

Grow annual flowers,

such as cornflowers and borage, among veg to lure pollinating and beneficial insects – there will be fewer of these in shade.