Shade Gardening: Vegetables and Herbs to Grow in Shade

Shade gardening is a great way to utilize the space in your garden that doesn't receive full sun. In this blog, we will cover the vegetables and herbs that thrive in shade, the ones that can still grow but produce a smaller harvest, and the ones that require full sun and should not be planted in shade.

Part 1: Vegetables and Herbs that Do Well in Shade

1. Basil - Basil produces broad and soft leaves when planted in shade, making it perfect for making pesto.

2. Mint - Mint grows big and broad leaves in shade and produces a better flavor than when grown in full sun.

3. Cilantro or Parsley - Both cilantro and parsley do well in shade, but cilantro tends to bolt when the temperature gets above 80°F, making parsley a great alternative for summer.

4. Lettuce - Lettuce prefers cooler weather but can still grow in shade during summer if the temperature doesn't get too hot.

5. Spinach - Spinach grows slowly but can still be grown in shade during summer with the soaking method.

6. Kale - Kale leaves get bitter and tough in full sun during summer, making shade a great alternative.

7. Swiss Chard - Swiss chard prefers cooler weather but can still grow well in shade.

8. Broccoli - Broccoli can be grown in shade but not during the heat of summer.

9. Peas - Peas are a cool weather crop and can be grown in shade in early spring or late summer.

10. Radish - Radish is super easy to grow and can be grown in shade during summer.

Part 2: Vegetables and Herbs that Can Still Grow in Shade but Produce a Smaller Harvest

1. Green Onions - Green onions can be grown in shade, but the bulb needs full sun to produce a large onion.

2. Cherry Tomatoes - Cherry tomatoes can grow in shade but would produce a larger harvest in full sun.

3. Eggplants - Eggplants require full sun but can still produce some harvest when grown in shade.

4. Squash - Squash requires full sun but can still produce some harvest when grown in shade.

5. Green Beans - Green beans can grow in shade but would produce a smaller harvest than when grown in full sun.

Part 3: Vegetables and Herbs You Cannot Grow in Shade

Corn is a vegetable that requires 8 hours of full sun, making it unsuitable for shade gardening. Other vegetables that require full sun include peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

In conclusion, shade gardening is a great way to maximize the space in your garden and grow a variety of vegetables and herbs. While some vegetables and herbs may not produce as large of a harvest in shade, they can still thrive and provide a bountiful harvest. Remember to consider the sunlight requirements of each vegetable and herb when planning your shade garden.