Top 10 Vegetables That Grow in the Shade & Still Thrive!
Most people consider a sunny patch of land to be the only place to grow vegetables but that’s not exactly true. Here are some vegetables that grow in the shade or that will tolerate some shade.
Certain vegetables are shade loving and can be grown in partial shade and may even benefit from having a little afternoon shade.
The majority of vegetable plants still need a couple of hours of dappled or indirect bright sunlight each day to grow but even in a partially shady area they can still produce food.
Vegetables that Grow in the Shade
If you’re challenged with a shady landscape and a want to plant a garden, give these top 10 vegetables that grow well in shade a try. Make sure to write notes on your garden activities and plantings in your garden journal.
1. Carrots
All carrot varieties will grow well in partial shade if they receive a total of 4-hours of sunlight every day. The growth will be slower than carrots planted in a full sun location but they will grow.
Sow carrots seeds and thin to 2-inches apart after germination. Sow seeds every 2-weeks for a continual harvest. Carrots are a ‘two-for’ vegetable with both an edible root and green top.
2. Beets
Sow beet seeds in the garden 2-weeks before the last average frost date in spring in a shady location. Continue seed planting every 3-weeks until temperatures reach 80°F for a constant harvest. Beets will need 4-hours of sunlight every day and 65-days to reach maturity.
Beets are another ‘two-for’ vegetable with both an edible root and green top.
3. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts need to be planted in a location that will provide them with shade from the afternoon sun. Start seeds indoors 4-weeks before the last predicted frost in spring. Transplant seedlings as soon as possible in the early spring.
4. Kale
Kale bolts in hot weather and will benefit from being planted in a location that shades it from the afternoon sun. Plant kale seeds 2-weeks before the last predicted frost date and thin seedlings to 6-inches apart.
5. Kohlrabi
This is a cool-season vegetable that will thrive in a partially shaded garden location. Plant seeds 2-weeks before last predicted frost date in the garden. Thin seedlings to 6-inches apart. Kohlrabi will stop growing after temperatures reach 70 degrees F .
6. Lettuce
Head and loose-leaf lettuce grow well when planted in a shady garden spot that provides at least 3-hours of sun every day. Lettuce grown in shade will actually produce a longer harvest than lettuce grown in full sun.
7. Leeks
Sow leek seeds into garden soil 2-weeks before last predicted frost date. Thin plants to 2-inches apart after germination. Leeks will thrive in a partially shaded area that provides them 3-4 hours of sunlight every day.
8. Radishes
This shade-loving vegetable is ready to harvest in 30 days and provides both a tasty root and nutritious top greens to eat. Sow seeds in a location that receives 3-hours of sunlight every day.
9. Spinach
Spinach grows well with just 3-hours of sunlight every day and can be planted 6-weeks before last predicted frost date. Plant spinach seeds 1-inch apart in rows 14-inches apart in early spring. Keep the soil moist and protect plants from afternoon sun.
10. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a cool-season vegetable that hates the heat. Plant seeds in dappled sunlight as soon as the ground thaws in the early spring. Harvest leaves anytime they after they reach 2-inches tall.
A few more consideration when planting in shading:
- Trees, bushes and building also provide wind protection
- Stay as far away as possible from trees like cottonwoods, aspens and all trees that send out sucker roots as these are water seeking and will creep into your garden patch
- Make sure not to crowd your plants as you need good air circulation
- Do not over-water
That a Wrap!
So even most people think the only place to grow vegetables is a full sun garden you now know differently! These top 10 vegetables that grow in the shade are a perfect example of grow in areas with some shade and they may even thrive in this situation……as it takes a little heat off them during the height of summer. Happy Gardening in the Shade!!!
