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If you are new to gardening, you may feel that all plants and vegetables need lots of sun to grow. While there is some truth to this, not all vegetables need full sun. In fact, while most vegetables need about six hours of sunlight, many vegetables can thrive when grown in partial shade without too much sun. In most cases, one can easily assume that vegetables grown for their leaves, stems and shoots will do well in partial shade.
Depending on the location of your garden, you may have patches of soil that are partially covered by tree branches or you may get more afternoon shade in other areas. Fortunately, there are many options to choose from if you want to grow vegetables in these shady areas. If you want to know more about these vegetables that can be grown with a little shade, here are 10 vegetables you can grow without too much sun.
- Lettuce
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is known as an annual plant of the Asteraceae family. It is best known for being grown as a leafy green vegetable (often found in salads or sandwiches). Lettuce is best planted in early spring and early autumn. Many find that covering lettuces with shade cloth or planting them in shady areas will prevent the leaves from burning. Sunburn is the worst thing that can happen when a plant like lettuce gets too much sun. Sunflowers are a great companion for lettuce, as this large flower will easily provide partial shade. Fun fact: both are part of the Asteraceae family. - Arugula
Arugula (Eruca vesicaria) is an annual vegetable in the Brassicaceae family. It is known for being grown as a leafy vegetable (another salad favourite) and for its fresh but tart and bitter taste. Arugula is best planted in early spring or late summer, as it grows well in cooler temperatures. In the right conditions, rocket will grow faster than expected. To ensure that your rocket has the best conditions to thrive, you should make sure it is planted in rich, well-drained soil. it can be grown in full sun, but can also be grown in light shade. - Kale or collard greens
Kale belongs to a group of cabbages known as Brassica oleracea. Kale is another of those salad greens that has gained popularity over the last decade due to its highly nutritious nature. The best growing season for kale is late winter and early spring. This is because these delicious greens are a cool weather crop, which means they grow best when grown in cooler weather. This leafy green vegetable likes moist areas and requires rich, well-drained soil. Shaded conditions for growth are acceptable, especially if soil requirements are met. - Continued on next page
