Vegetables grown for the leaves, stems, or buds often do quite wellwithout full sun.
Keep in mind, though, that no vegetable can thrive in deep, dense shade.
Ready tostart a vegetable garden?
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Full Sun vs.
Partial Shade
Partial shade means just what its name would implyit’spartialshade,not full shade.
And that means it will require some sun each day.
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They need those nutrients to flower and produce the fruit that will become delicious vegetables.
Alternately try placing the seeds in the refrigerator for several days prior to planting to aid germination.
Arugula (Eruca vesicaria)
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Arugula is among the fastest-growing leafy greens.
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Arugula can have a musky odor and taste, but many find its peppery bite very refreshing.
Arugula tolerates some shade but also does well in full sun, preferring 6 hours of sun a day.
It is easy to grow from seed sown directly into the garden.
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There are many varieties of beans to choose from and are easy to grow from seed.
you might even be frugal and save some beans to provide next year’s seeds.
While shade may impact the size of your beetroots, the plants will still produce delicious greens.
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If you’re short on space, beets can also do well in a deep container.
For a continual harvest, keep planting a few seeds every week or so.
Just be sure to keep them watered so the roots do not turn woody.
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Bok Choy (Brassica rapa var.
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var.
While the classic orange roots are instantly recognizable, they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
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But this vegetable can grow well into the cold season, and flavor actually improves after a light frost.
Because it takes so long to mature, you might plant a different short-season crop in between the rows.
Bush beans and peas are perfect.
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Cauliflower can tolerate some cold, so it’s a good last-minute addition to the garden.
Collard Greens (Brassica oleracea L. subsp.
It is leafy and great in a salad, but perhaps best prepared as a sauteed green dish.
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For good growth, collard greens need about 4 to 5 hours of sun for full flavor.
It, too, is a good plant for colder climates.
It matures very fast and likes moist soils.
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It will tolerate very cool temperatures, including light frosts.
Endive (Cichorium endivia)
Endivedoes well with only 2 to 3 hours of daily sun.
Especially in midsummer, the shade will prevent the plant from bolting (setting seeds).
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While garlic prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade with 6 hours of sun per day.
6 hours per day is ideal for lettuce.
Some gardeners even shelter lettuce with shade cloth to prevent it from burning out.
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Leeks grow slowly and do best when they receive at least 6 hours of morning sun.
Mustard Greens (Brassica juncea, Brassica rapa subsp.
perviridis)
Mustard greens join collards and kale in the cooking greens category.
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Mustard greens do not do well in hot temperatures.
Some mustard plants can be invasive if they escape the garden.
Thekey to growing peasis timing.
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Peas like cool weather.
This is also a space-saving crop.
These cool season root vegetables prefer full sun, but they can grow in partial shade.
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They also produce tasty greens that most people forget about.
With radishes, you have many options when it comes to varieties.
It is fun to sprinkle many different radishes throughout your garden.
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Some mature fast, some like the fall season, and the sizes vary as much as the color.
It can tolerate partial shade, though it does best with 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Spinach likes cool weather and usually bolts (sets seed) as the weather turns hot.
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Plant new spinach for continued harvest.
It only needs 4 to 6 hours of sun per day.
it’s possible for you to direct sow the seeds and thin it as needed.
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Plus, if you cut older leaves, new ones will grow back.
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)
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Asparagus is a plant designed to test your patience.
If you try before then, you could injure or kill the plant.
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But it’s worth it when you get those delicious summery spears.
Asparagus needs 8 hours of sunlight, but can tolerate partial shade.
That will, however, impact its yield.
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So it’s no surprise most tomatoes need full sun, at least 6 hours a day.
However, some varieties, like Roma tomatoes or Black Krim, can tolerate partial shade.
Expect less fruit if a cucumber gets less sun.
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