Two years ago we moved to our new house. We have a warm climate but the kitchen garden area is heavily shaded by some tall trees.These suck a lot of the goodness out of the soil, though I have added some top dressing, and it is also almost undiggable because of the roots, so potatoes or any root crop are out. Any suggestions? Don't tell me to fell the trees - they are our neighbor's.

The only stuff that has done well so far is very light - fennel, coriander, parsley, chillis and basil. Pumpkins are okay but I have to grow them up the wall because of the ground beetles. Aubergines and lettuce are so-so. Okra and tomatoes need more light. Mint, lemon grass, cucumbers, broccoli, cabbage and bell peppers are all lousy. I haven't tried: peas, beans, chicory,rocket, melons, strawberries, zucchini or anything else. The soil (such as it is) is sandstone (slightly acid) though I added some lime for the brassicas. Water is not a problem. We have an orchard for fruit trees and bushes, this is better lit and more successful.

Thanks in anticipation for your help and advice.