Need some planting ideas

[CowboyBunny]

I have an area about 10x20 with good soil at the east end of my garden that just gets too much shade for most things, it gets late afternoon and evening sun about 4 hours worth during the summer and fall. It does however get fairly good winter and spring sun before the oak trees finally leaf out in late spring. This area is in my garden area that I use for permagardening, herbs and spring/fall/winter plantings, it's not my main summer garden area so I'm fairly flexible. Does anyone have any ideas on some good fruits/veggies/herbs or even cutting flowers that can handle the lack of sun? FYI the nearest planting would be raspberries.

Tami

Probably should also mention that I am technically a zone 5b with a last frost date of late May. However, due to living in a slight valley I can get frosts into early June depending on our Michigan weather. Covering and protecting plants is no problem if needed.

[DoubleD]

Evergreen huckleberries actually grow better in semi shade. I purchased some recently from Raintree nursery and they are doing beautifully in an area that gets even less direct sun than you described.

Strawberries can also be grown on marginal light conditions as well.

[chickenista]

I am thinking peas in the spring.. and greens, lettuces, chard etc.. in the summer. Chard especially doesn't mind some shade.. of course there is always gooseberries too..

[Windy in Kansas]

Carrots can tolerate less sunshine than many things and do well in cooler temps. They should work but I doubt you will want to plant the entire area to them.

[Forerunner]

Don't forget garlic and onions.

Planted in mid-late fall, both will grow slowly during all but the coldest weather, all through the winter.... and they really take off when the nights get back up to 40 on a regular basis. The onions might like a layer of straw spread over them for the bitterest cold portion of their stay, and, they may not.
Both plants amaze me with their hardy attitude toward the cold weather.

[ajaxlucy]

Maybe collard greens? Mine seem to grown well just about anywhere.