Pointers from the experts When planting your shade garden, try to determine if your deck gets dappled or dense shade. Check with you nursery to find the best plant for your particular conditions. Soil is key to shade loving plants; it should be rich, slightly acidic and well drained. Try planting fruit trees in container. I have a young pear tree that has done well its first year. Ensure the container is only sightly larger the root ball; if planting bare-root plant the container should be approximately 5 gallons. Replant and root prune every 2-3 years.