7 Types of Vegetables That Thrive in Limited Sunlight

Growing vegetables in partial shade can be a great option for gardeners with limited sun exposure in their yards or for those looking to extend their growing season. Many vegetables can thrive in partial shade, and in some cases, it can even improve their flavor and texture.

The terms partial shade and partial sun can be confusing. The most common term is full sun which is an area that receives 6-8 hours of sun, although it doesn’t have to be continuous sun the entire time. Partial sun is 3-6 hours of direct sunlight per day, while partial shade is 3 hours of direct sunlight. Dappled (or light) shade is when the sun is filtered through the leaves of trees overhead. If you have deep shade, then you won’t be able to grow any vegetables.

Here are some examples of vegetables that can be grown in partial shade, and tips on how to do it successfully:

Cole crops

Cole crops, such as broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, turnips, kale, and rutabagas, can grow in partial shade. They may take longer to mature, but it provides options if you want to maximize your space. Cabbage can also in shadier areas, but they don’t form tight heads like those grown in the sun. In warmer climates, growing crops like broccoli and cauliflower that are prone to bolting (i.e., flowering) will benefit in a partial sun area.

Root crops

Radishes, carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and beets can grow in as little as 3-4 hours of direct sun with light or dappled shade for the rest of the day. This provides a great option for those that are growing on a porch or patio. Potatoes are great to grow in containers (I use grow bags) in about 4 inches of soil to start with and the leaves buried with another 4 inches of soil every time they grow 6 inches.

Leafy greens

Leafy greens can grow in only a few hours of sun per day. These include lettuce, arugula, kale, bok choy, spinach, and chard. These crops tend to wilt during the day and keeping them out of the midday sun can prevent these tender leaves from wilting. You can also extend the growing season as it warms by planting them in shadier areas. Swiss chard can take the heat, but lettuce and spinach will bolt (i.e. flower) quicker when it is warmer causing the leaves to become bitter.

Climbing vegetables

Climbing vegetables, like cucumbers and pole beans, do well in areas that have shade in the morning and afternoon sun. They will climb the trellis to try to reach the sunshine.

Perennial vegetables

Crops such as rhubarb, asparagus, and Jerusalem artichokes can grow in partial shade. Good drainage is essentially.

Herbs

Several herbs can tolerate partial shade which makes them great for growing on a sunny window or on a porch or patio. These include parsley, cilantro, thyme, oregano, chives, tarragon, mint, bee balm, lemon balm, and calendula.

Certain Fruits

Fruits such as currants and gooseberries grow well in partial shade. You will need to train them as cordons or as fans against a wall so that you can space the branches so that they evenly receive light to all parts of the plant. Sour cherries also do well since they don’t need the sun to sweeten them. They can be quite attractive against a north-facing wall. Berries such as blackberries and raspberries can take some shade, but they fruit better with more sun. Alpine strawberries, such as the variety ‘Alexandria’ can grow in more shade.

Tips for Growing in the Shade

1. If you are growing in shadier area, make sure you transplant seedlings to those areas rather than planting seed. You can use grow lights to grow seeds indoors and then transplant them.
2. Increase the light in those areas by reflecting it. Paint any walls or fences white or use reflective surfaces such as mirrors or shiny metal to increase the light.
3. Since the shady areas are cooler, it can take longer for them to warm up in the spring and quicker to cool down in the fall, you can use cold frames or row covers to warm up the soil earlier or extend the season in the fall.
4. Shadier areas tend to be the perfect hiding spot for slugs and snails. You can use a beer trap to lure them in. Delay when you lay mulch in those areas until it warms up.
5. Make sure that you provide ample space between your plants to maximize the light penetration. Plants that are in shadier areas tend to be leggier (i.e., grow taller without as many leaves) as they extend to find the sun.
6. You can reduce the amount of watering when gardening in the shade. The moisture doesn’t evaporate as quickly. Keep in mind that if you plant in the ground under trees, that the tree roots will compete for available water and nutrients and their canopy will reduce rainfall from reaching the ground.

When growing vegetables in partial shade, it's important to remember that the amount of shade can vary, so it's important to monitor the plants, and adjust accordingly. Also, providing enough water and fertilization, as well as controlling pests and diseases, are essential for the success of the plants.

In conclusion, growing vegetables in partial shade can be a great way to extend the growing season, and to enjoy a bountiful harvest even in areas with limited sun exposure. By choosing the right vegetables, providing adequate care and attention, and monitoring the plants, you can successfully grow a variety of vegetables in partial shade.