What to do with lemons?! Lemon and citrus season is in full swing and if you are lucky enough, you may be struggling to use up all your produce before it goes to waste. A great problem to have! Below are a few of my favourite ways to use up lemons. I love how the lemon season coincides with the flu season and lemons are a fantastic natural remedy, packed full of vitamin C for colds and flu! Nature really is amazing. If you have a ton of lemons, below are some great ways to preserve your lemons so you can use them throughout the year.
Fresh off the Tree
One of the best ways to extend your harvest is to leave them on the tree for as long as you can. As soon as you pick them they will start to ripen and deteriorate much quicker than if they remain on the tree. I love fresh lemons especially walking out to my garden and picking a lemon and cutting it up for a fresh cup of hot lemon water or in summer, iced lemon water! This is also the best way to get the most vitamin C as once you cook or dehydrate lemons, the Vitamin C levels reduce significantly. But there is only so much fresh lemon I can eat…
Gifting or Swapping
Gifting or trading your excess lemons is a great way to make friends with your neighbours! Your friends, family and work colleagues may also love some fresh lemons if they don’t have a tree at home. This can open up some great conversations and people may even start bringing and gifting their own excess produce.
Dehydrated Lemons
It’s winter and I love a hot water lemon drink in the morning to warm up! The only thing is that often I put the remaining half a lemon in the fridge and it will end up at the back of the fridge until it gets thrown out 🙁 So if I want lemon for my tea I pick a small one and put it somewhere front and centre so I can see it! This is why I love using dehydrated lemons because you can use a couple of slices as needed. Dehydrated lemons can also be used in baking, cake decorating, or finely chopped to add some lemony flavour to your cooking. They rehydrate once they get wet so they work quite similarly to fresh lemon but have a more caramelised flavour.
Lemon Zest Sprinkles
Zest the skins and dehydrate. Place in a jar and use in cooking and baking to as some lemony flavour!
Lemon Juice
You can then juice the lemons and freeze into ice cubes. Once the cubes are frozen, place into a container or freezer bag and label. These can be used in cold drinks, cocktails, cooking, baking and added to boiling water for a delicious hot lemon tea at just the right temperature! (can you tell I like lemon tea).
Citrus Cleaner
Ok, so you have now used the zest and the juice of the lemons, what do you do with the remaining flesh?! Place all the lemon scraps in a jar and fill with White Vinegar. Place in a dark spot in your pantry and leave for two weeks. You can then strain the liquid off and add the same amount of distilled water and you have a natural all-purpose cleaner. This is a great way to get the most out of your lemons with as little waste as possible.
You can also simply throw a few slices into your jug/kettle and add a few dashes of white vinegar and water. Simply boil the jug and then let it sit for 30mins. Rinse and clean. This will help remove the limescale and calcium build-ups on your jug.
Baking
Lemon slice, lemon meringue pie, lemon cheesecake. I’m not one for baking recipes but I have been doing some trial and error lately!
Roasted Lemons
In winter I like to make a roast vegetable salad because it’s a little bit more of a winter warmer but not too heavy. I chop up my root vegetables (carrots, sweet potato, beetroot, potato etc) along with some wedges of lemon and oven roast with oil and herbs. This is a great way to use up those half lemons in the fridge or some lemons that are getting too ripe. Once the vegetables are roasted I serve in a bowl of chopped up greens and top with feta cheese, pumpkin seeds, and aioli dressing. The roasted lemon wedges can then be squeezed on top and they add beautiful mellow caramelised lemon flavour.
Lemon Butter
Lemon butter or curd is heaven in a jar! This is a super luxurious and delicious way to use lemons and can also make great gifts! Enjoy on toast, pancakes, meringues or add to the centre of lemon muffins for a delicious surprise.
Other ideas
There are still so many different ways to use lemons that I haven’t tried yet. Here are a few below:
Marmalade
Lemonade!!
Preserved Lemons
Lemon cake
Limoncello
Let me know what you use lemons for in the comments below!
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Absolutely! Growing edible plants in the shade is not only possible but can also be beneficial for many crops. One of the most important aspects of designing a productive edible garden is observing your environment and understanding your garden’s unique conditions. This principle, outlined in David Holmgren’s Permaculture Principles, emphasizes observation and interaction as key factors in successful gardening.
Understanding how sunlight and shade move across your garden throughout the year will help you plan your planting strategy. Rather than planting a full-sun-loving tree in an 80% shaded area and wondering why it struggles (been there, done that!), thoughtful observation will lead to better plant selection and higher yields.
Why Grow Shade-Tolerant Edible Plants?
Many gardens have areas that receive limited sunlight due to trees, buildings, or fences. Instead of letting these areas go to waste, take advantage of them by planting shade-loving edible plants. While growth may be slower in the shade, this can be an advantage, as it reduces bolting in leafy greens and extends harvesting periods.
If you’re looking for productive plants to grow in shady spots, here are my top recommendations.
Tips for Growing Edible Plants in the Shade
Growing shade plants requires some adjustments to maximize success:
Expect slower growth – Less sunlight means plants will take longer to mature.
Use shade strategically – Leafy greens often thrive in partial shade, especially in warm climates.
Improve soil quality – Shade gardens benefit from rich, well-draining soil and plenty of organic matter.
Water less frequently – Shady areas retain moisture longer, reducing water needs.
10 Best Edible Plants for Shade
1. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)
A personal favorite! Nasturtiums thrive in partial shade and are incredibly versatile. The leaves, flowers, and seeds are all edible, adding a peppery kick to salads. They also attract beneficial insects and act as a natural pest repellent.
2. Sweet Violets (Viola odorata)
Also known as English Violets, these beautiful little plants make an excellent ground cover in shady areas. The flowers are edible and can be used in salads, desserts, or herbal teas.
3. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
One of the easiest crops to grow in the shade! Inhot climates, lettuce actually performs better in partial shade, as it prevents the leaves from wilting or becoming bitter.
4. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Chives do well in both sun and shade, making them a versatile addition to any garden. Use them to add a mild onion flavor to omelets, salads, and soups. The flowers are also edible!
5. Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala)
Kale grows well in low-light conditions due to its large, energy-efficient leaves. While it may grow a bit slower in the shade, this can be a positive if you prefer a steady, manageable harvest.
6. Radish (Raphanus sativus)
Radishes are quick-growing and shade-tolerant, making them perfect for filling gaps in the garden. They thrive in partial shade and add a crunchy, peppery flavor to dishes. The great thing about Radishes is that they are ready to harvest from seed in just 30 days! Don’t love Radishes raw? Try this delicious Roasted Radish Salad! Game Changer!
7. Asian Greens (Bok Choy, Tatsoi, Choy Sum)
These fast-growing leafy greens thrive in the shade and produce a continuous harvest. They are excellent in stir-fries, salads, or soups.
8. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Parsley tolerates shade well and grows at a steady pace, preventing waste from overproduction. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a nutrient-dense choice for shady gardens.
9. Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)
While full shade is not ideal for large tubers, sweet potatoes can still produce a decent harvest in partial shade. Their sprawling vines make a fantastic ground cover, suppressing weeds and protecting the soil.
10. Rocket (Eruca vesicaria)
Also known as arugula, rocket grows well in shade and has a strong, peppery taste. It’s a great addition to salads, pizzas, and pestos.
Want more Plant ideas? Watch my Video for 21 Edibles to grow in the Shade
Growing edible plants in the shade is a smart way to make the most of every inch of your garden. Whether you have dappled shade under trees or a fully shaded wall, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious plants you can grow successfully. Want even more ideas? Watch my latest video for 21 edible shade plants! 🌱
👉 [Watch the Video Here]
What shade-loving edible plants do you grow? Leave a comment below! ⬇️
Holly🌱
MY GARDENING ESSENTIALS // Fertiliser spray gun: https://bit.ly/366nL1t Retractable Hose: https://bit.ly/2TSC0Bo More gardening tools: https://bit.ly/32IQmbD
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide, I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my page so I can continue to provide you with free content!
