Shade Gardening

All plants need sunlight for photosynthesis, but some plants actually perform better in partial shade. If you have shady areas in need of plants, read on!

Many popular plants, such as tomatoes and peppers, require ‘full sun’, which means 6 - 8 hours of direct sunlight nearly every day. But this is no excuse for not gardening, because there are plants that can get by with 4 - 6 hours (partial shade) or even 2 - 4 hours of sunlight. These shade-loving plants are easily overwhelmed by too much sunlight, leading to bolting, bitterness and wilting. This makes them perfect additions to areas next to walls, under some trees, and on balconies or window sills.

​(I say “some trees” because there are tree varieties, such as walnut, that emit chemicals that slow the growth of nearby plants).

Partial shade edibles

Horseradish prefers partial shade

Most partial shade edibles end up producing more vegetative growth (leaves and stems) than flowers, fruits, roots, and bulbs when given too much sun. These plants prefer a more protected location:

• asparagus
• basil
• beans 
• beets
• black currants
• blueberries
• bok choi
• broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• cabbage

• carrots
• celery
• chervil
• chives
• cilantro
• cucumber
• dill
• fennel
• garlic
• gooseberry
• grapes​

• ​hazelnut
• hops
• horseradish
• huckleberry
• kiwifruit
• leeks
• nasturtiums
• onions
• parsley
• parsnips
• peas

• potatoes​
• ​radicchio
• radish
• raspberry
• rhubarb
• rutabaga
• sage
• scallions
• spinach
• tarragon
• turnips

Raspberries prefer being protected from hot sun

Shade-loving edibles

There are even edible plants that can produce food with only 2 - 4 hours of sunlight. The shade-loving plants listed below can also be planted under the shade of taller sun-loving plants. This scaffolding reduces water loss and weed growth, while stabilizing soil temperatures.

• arugula
• basil
• blackberries
• Brussels sprouts
• chervil
• chives
• endive

• huckleberry
• kale
• kiwifruit
• lettuces
• mint
• mustard greens
• nasturtiums

• parsley
• raspberries
• sage
• sorrel
• spinach
• Swiss chard
• tarragon

Parsley thrives in shade

Endive makes a lovely border

Hanging containers and trellising can help some of your plants get the sunlight they need. As always, make sure you take your microclimate and Hardiness Zone into account when selecting plants for your shade garden.