Last updated on October 25th, 2023 at 11:49 am
When we think of vegetable gardening, we’re often convinced that FULL SUN is the only way we’ll be successful. This couldn’t be more wrong! There are plenty of shade friendly plants that will thrive in 2-5 hours of sun.
On top of that, there are some plants that won’t LOVE being in shade, but will TOLERATE it, which allows you to squeeze out even more harvests from spaces you might typically ignore in your garden.
If you have a shady garden space, you can still grow a variety of vegetables that thrive with less direct sunlight. While many vegetables prefer full sun, there are several shade-tolerant options that can provide you with a bountiful harvest. Here are 12 perfect vegetables to consider for your shady garden:
- Lettuce: Lettuce is an excellent choice for a shady garden. It’s a cool-season crop that can tolerate some shade, making it ideal for early spring and fall planting.
- Spinach: Like lettuce, spinach is a cool-season green that does well in partial shade. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals and can be grown in containers or garden beds.
- Arugula: Arugula is a peppery, flavorful green that can thrive in partial shade. It’s a quick-growing option that can be harvested young for a milder taste.
- Kale: Kale is a hardy leafy green that can tolerate partial shade. It’s packed with nutrients and can be harvested throughout the growing season.
- Swiss Chard: Swiss chard, with its colorful stems and nutritious leaves, is another leafy green that can grow in partial shade. It’s a versatile vegetable for salads or sautés.
- Broccoli: Broccoli is a cool-season vegetable that can produce well in partial shade. It’s a nutritious option that can be harvested once the heads are fully formed.
- Cauliflower: Similar to broccoli, cauliflower is a cool-season crop that can tolerate partial shade. Plant it in the early spring or late summer for best results.
- Cilantro: Cilantro, an herb often used in cooking, can grow in partial shade. It prefers cooler conditions and can be sown directly in the garden or in containers.
- Radishes: Radishes are quick-growing root vegetables that can tolerate partial shade. They can be grown in the early spring or late summer.
- Scallions (Green Onions): Scallions are a versatile and easy-to-grow crop that can thrive in partial shade. They can be used in a variety of dishes.
- Parsley: Parsley is an herb that can grow in partial shade. It’s a popular addition to many recipes and can be grown in containers as well.
- Peas: Peas, especially sugar snap and snow peas, can tolerate partial shade. They are excellent cool-season vegetables that can be grown vertically to maximize space.
When gardening in a shady space, it’s important to pay attention to the specific conditions of your garden, including the duration and intensity of shade. Some of these vegetables may perform better in dappled shade with occasional periods of sunlight, while others can thrive in consistently low-light conditions. Additionally, raised beds or containers may help improve drainage and optimize the use of available sunlight in a shady garden. Experiment with these vegetables to discover which ones do best in your specific shade garden.
12 Perfect Vegetables To Grow in a Shady Garden Space:
- Spinach
- Chard
- Leaf Lettuce
- Endive & Escarole
- Peas
- Radish
- Potatoes
- Determinate Cold-hardy Tomatoes
- Bush Beans
- Basil and other herbs
- Cilantro and Parsley
- Green Onions