Veggies For Shade

I’ve been making the most of the dry weather by sowing some seeds outside. I had planted all of the seeds with an early sowing date but it’s now time for all of the “sow April/May” seeds to go out.  I found new spaces for the peas and beans, which I usually put into modules undercover first. I’m putting them straight out this year and if a mouse gets a seed or two, so be it.

My decision for locating the trellis for the plants to go on is been based on a very loose crop rotation system I have, which is mainly guesswork and a memory of where types of plants were growing the previous year. I am aware though that certain vegetables do better, not only with different types of soil, but also with varying light levels. It’s certainly something to take into consideration when planting as not all veggies like full sun; some actually prefer being kept in partial shade. Here’s a list of daily requirements for different varieties.

If you are limited for space like me sometimes you don’t get a choice where to plant, so it’s only meant as a rough guide.

Sun to Shade

Full Sun Vegetables

“Full sun” means a minimum of six hours (usually at least 8) of sunlight per day. For at least six hours, the sun should be directly shining onto the plants nearly every day of the season. Obviously inclement weather and overcast days are not counted. No artificial shade (trees, buildings) are blocking sunlight from full-sun veggies.

Cucumbers.

One of the easiest to grow, they have very broad leaves, a common trait in many full-sun plants.

Squash.

Like cucumbers, squash plants have very broad leaves and beg for sunlight. Growing them on a trellis or stand can maximize sun exposure.

Tomatoes.

Assuming plenty of water is available, tomatoes will always take as much sun as they can get.

Partial Sun Vegetables.

Partial Sun are vegetables that require at least four hours of sunlight per day, but often thrive with less than six hours of direct sunlight. These are usually listed as “partial sun” or “partial shade” veggies on seed packets. Partial sun usually means that the plant could still do well with more sun, and partial shade often means that the plant would do better with four to six hours as a maximum.

Beans.

When in a bush variety, these do well with more sun (closer to 6 hours) than in vine varieties, which can do more with less if they’re on a trellis.

Beets.

Keep beets partially shaded and they’ll thrive, even in relatively dry conditions.

Broccoli.

Full sun on broccoli will lead to rapid flowering (which ruins the taste) while partial sun encourages tighter heads and slower flowering.

Cabbage.

Although cabbage is broad-leafed, too much sun will dry it out and encourage smaller heads and bigger open leaves.

Carrots.

Too much sun and the carrot plant grows more foliage than root, so limiting sunlight means larger carrots.

Cauliflower.

Like broccoli, limiting sunlight to under 6 hours daily means tighter heads of cauliflower.

Coriander.

A popular spice, limiting sunlight will help keep the plants smaller and larger-leafed, which means more harvest and better taste.

Leek.

Leeks thrive in cooler, more moist environments compared to regular root onions.

Onions.

Root onions, like most root-based edibles, need less sun in order to encourage below-ground growth.

Pea.

Like beans, peas will grow more plant than edible seeds if too much sun is given.

Radish.

Again, with root plants like radishes, it’s all about encouraging root growth.

Turnips.

Similar to carrots, turnips tend to grow downwards when less sun is available to them.

Light Shade Vegetables

Vegetables that do well in less sunlight (2 to 4 hours) are often called “light shade” or “shaded” plants. Some “partial shade” plants are also light shade, such as cauliflower and many spices.

Brussels sprouts.

This is also a cold-tolerant plant and like most cold-happy plants, Brussels sprouts do well with limited sunlight.

Kale.

Like its cousins in cabbages, kale loves cold weather and less light.

Leaf lettuce.

Most lettuce plants prefer less sun.

Spinach.

Like lettuce, spinach needs cooler temperatures and less sun.

Swiss chard.

Another delicate leafy plant, swiss chard doesn’t enjoy a lot of sunlight.

Even the most open of garden areas provides shade. Be creative with plant placement and you’ll find that you can create your own shaded areas to maximize conditions for each plant’s preference. Tall plants can provide partial shade for smaller radishes and peas, while heavy-leafed squash plants might provide near-permanent shade for smaller carrots or turnips.