Maximizing Garden Space—Taking Advantage of Part-Sun and Low Sun Areas of the Garden

As I toiled in the backyard this spring and summer, my goal was to make use of every square inch of space.  Of course, walking paths and small access paths were also necessary, but still, some areas weren’t reaching their full productive potential due to shade.  And yet, just because some spots in the yard weren’t receiving a full 6-8 hours of sun, that didn’t mean they couldn’t be productive as well.  Unfortunately, I was having a heckuva time trying to remember which plants could grow well in the shade.  I thought it might be a challenge for others as well and would be worth noting in a blog post.

Of course, most vegetables are going to be more productive the more sun they get.  We’ve all heard about the phenomenal productivity of Alaskan gardens with their super-long growing days.  Most of us can’t even dream of duplicating that.  When we plant vegetables in shaded areas, we know we’re at a disadvantage.  We know those plants aren’t going to grow as fast or be as productive.  However, just because growth is going to be slow, it doesn’t mean we have to give up.  We can still make those shadier spots productive, limited though it may be.  The trick is to choose those vegetables that will appreciate a little respite from the sun’s blazing rays. 

Full sun vegetables need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight for maximum productivity. 

• Basil
• Cantaloupe (squash family)
• Corn
• Cucumbers (squash family)
• Eggplant (nightshade family)
• Okra
• Peas
• Peppers (nightshade family)
• Potatoes (nightshade family)
• Squash (squash family)
• Sunflowers
• Sweet potatoes
• Tomatoes (nightshade family)
• Watermelon (squash family)
• Yard long beans

You’ll note that basically all the members of the squash and nightshade families require full sun for maximum yields.  They are also among the most critical crops for survival, with high yields of crops and calories in relation to the effort expended to grow them. 

Part-sun vegetables need at least 4-6 hours of sun each day to make a crop.  These include the cole family vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi) as well as most herbs and root crops such as carrots, garlic, leek, and radish.  Of course, they will yield more and faster with full sun, but you can still get a respectable crop in partial sun.  In addition, beans and peas are excellent crops to plant under fruit trees for the sole benefit of fixing nitrogen in the soil to fertilize the trees.  Any beans or peas actually growing to maturity are just a bonus.

• Artichoke
• Asparagus
• Beans
• Beets (root crop)
• Broccoli (cole family)
• Cabbage (cole family)
• Carrots (root crop)
• Cauliflower (cole family)
• Celery
• Chives (herb)
• Cilantro (herb)
• Garlic (root crop)
• Leek (root crop)
• Mint (herb)
• Onions (root crop)
• Oregano (herb)
• Parsley (herb)
• Pea
• Potatoes* (root crop)
• Radish (root crop)
• Rutabaga (root crop)
• Shallots (root crop)
• Turnips (root crop)

Low sun vegetables and fruits should get at least 3-4 hours of sunlight per day.

• Asparagus
• Beans
• Blackberries 
• Brussels sprouts (cole family)
• Garlic (root crop)
• Kale (leafy greens)
• Lettuce (leafy greens)
• Loose leaf lettuce (leafy greens)
• Mushrooms
• Radishes (root crop)
• Spinach (leafy greens)
• Swiss Chard (leafy greens)
• Violets, edible flowers
• Walking onions (root crop)

While there are exceptions, to keep it easy and avoid having to check references inside or on the internet, nightshades and squash family vegetables pretty much need full sun.  Cole family vegetables and root crops can make a go of it in partial sun.  Leafy greens can produce in low sun situations, especially in the heat of summer.