What Vegetables Grow In Full Shade UK
Whether you have a garden that gets partial sun, morning sun, or quite a bit of shade - there are plants you can grow. A shady spot doesn't have to be neglected, you just have to change the kind of plants you grow.
From root vegetables to herbs, we've got a list of vegetables/vegetable seeds that don't like too much sun and prefer a little shade.
Types of Shade
1. Full Sun
This is an area that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. This is the most intense light condition and is ideal for must sun loving plants.
2. Light Shade
This is described as an area in direct view of the sky, but with an object that blocks the sunlight directly - this could be a wall or a group of trees.
3. Partial Shade
Partial shade means three to six hours of direct sunlight at midsummer. This is perfect for the plants who prefer shade but still need a bit of sun.
4. Dappled Shade
This is reflected sunlight - through trees and open canopies.
5. Moderate Shade
This is two to three hours of direct sunlight per day.
6. Deep Shade
This is dense tree cover blocking the light, so there is no sun seed directly throughout the day.
To Grow In Full Shade
There aren't many plants that can grow in complete shade, as most do need sunlight to thrive but there are a that can tolerate shade completely.
Pea Shoots
For those tricky shady areas in your garden, pea shoots are the perfect thing to grow. They are the tender young leaves and stems of pea plants and are sweet, crunchy and a popular addition to salads and sandwiches.
Luckily for salad crops, these plant seeds can tolerate shade. They thrive in well drained soil and should be watered regularly.
Mibuna
These Japanese leafy greens are a member of the brassica family and are a great addition to any vegetable garden bed as they will grow in shade.
These shade tolerant crops will thrive whatever spot you put them in as they don't need direct sun, or too much heat, to grow.
All they need is well drained soil enriched with organic matter, to be watered regularly and they are good to go.
Mint
This popular fragrant herb is used in cooking food and drinks. It has a strong refreshing flavour and can be used in a multitude of dishes.
Mint can grow in shade as it's a very versatile and adaptable herb, so it can thrive in various light conditions, including a shady garden.
To Grow In Partial Shade & Light Shade
Lettuce
Lettuce is a versatile leafy green that can thrive in partial shade, especially during the hotter months when full sun can cause it to bolt (flower and go to seed). In shaded conditions, lettuce tends to have tender leaves and a milder flavour.
Lettuce grows best in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. Regular watering is essential to keep the soil consistently moist.
Lettuce prefers cooler temperatures, making partial shade ideal for summer crops. It’s typically ready for harvest within 30-45 days, depending on the variety.
Spinach
Spinach is a nutrient-dense green that does well in partial shade, making it perfect for cooler, shaded garden spots. The cooler temperatures in shaded areas can help spinach produce tender, flavourful leaves without bolting.
Spinach requires well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Spinach grows best in cooler weather and can tolerate light frosts. Expect to harvest baby spinach leaves in about 3-4 weeks, or full-sized leaves in 6-8 weeks.
Kale
Kale is a hardy leafy green that thrives in partial shade. The cooler, shaded conditions can actually improve the flavour of kale, making it sweeter and more tender. It’s a robust plant that can handle varying light conditions.
Kale seeds grow well in rich, well-drained soil. Regular watering helps maintain healthy growth, and kale can tolerate occasional drought. It prefers cooler temperatures and can be harvested throughout the growing season. Leaves can be picked as soon as they reach a usable size, usually within 6-8 weeks.
Rocket
Rocket, also known as arugula, is a peppery green that grows well in partial shade. The slightly cooler conditions can help the leaves retain their crisp texture and distinctive flavour. It’s a quick-growing green that’s perfect for salads.
Rocket prefers well-drained soil with good fertility. It should be kept consistently moist to prevent bitterness. Rocket grows quickly and can be harvested within 3-4 weeks of sowing. Regular sowing every few weeks can ensure a continuous harvest.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a versatile green that does well in partial shade. Its colourful stems and large, tender leaves add both beauty and nutrition to shaded garden areas. Swiss chard is known for its ability to produce throughout the growing season.
Swiss chard thrives in well-drained, fertile soil. It requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Swiss chard can tolerate a range of temperatures but grows best in cooler conditions. It is typically ready for harvest in about 6-8 weeks, with outer leaves being cut as needed.
Radishes
Radishes are quick-growing root vegetables that can tolerate partial shade. The cooler conditions can lead to crisp, mild-flavoured radishes. They are excellent for planting in shaded areas of the garden where they can mature quickly.
Radishes prefer well-drained soil and should be kept evenly moist. They grow rapidly and can be harvested in as little as 3-4 weeks. Regular sowing can provide a continuous supply of radishes throughout the growing season.
Coriander
Coriander, also known as cilantro, can thrive in partial shade, particularly in warm climates where shade helps prevent bolting. It’s an aromatic herb used in a variety of culinary dishes and adds a fresh flavour to many recipes.
Coriander seeds prefer well-drained, fertile soil. It should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. In shaded conditions, cilantro can grow well in the cooler parts of the garden. It is usually ready for harvest in about 3-4 weeks for leaves, while seeds (coriander) take longer to mature.
Green Onions
Green onions thrive in partial shade, where they can produce tender, mild-flavoured shoots. They are a great choice for shaded garden beds and can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season.
Green onions grow best in well-drained soil with regular watering. They can tolerate a range of light conditions, including partial shade. They are usually ready for harvest in about 8-12 weeks, depending on the desired size of the bulbs.
To Grow In Dappled Shade
Broad Beans
Broad beans, also known as fava beans, can tolerate dappled shade, especially in regions with hot summers. The partial shade helps them avoid stress from excessive heat, contributing to better growth and yield.
Broad beans thrive in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Regular watering is important, especially during dry periods. They prefer cooler temperatures and can benefit from the reduced intensity of dappled sunlight. Broad beans are generally ready for harvest in 12-16 weeks, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Turnips
Turnips can be successfully grown in dappled shade, where the cooler, indirect light conditions can produce tender, mild-flavoured roots. They are well-suited for areas where full sun is not available.
Turnips require well-drained, fertile soil and should be kept consistently moist. Dappled shade helps to keep the soil temperature lower, which is beneficial for root development. Turnips are usually ready to harvest in 6-10 weeks, depending on the variety and size of the roots.
Beetroot
Beetroot seeds can adapt to dappled shade, benefiting from the cooler conditions that prevent the roots from becoming too tough or woody. The filtered light helps in producing sweet, tender beets.
Beetroots prefer well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Regular watering is crucial for maintaining moist soil. The cooler, shaded environment of dappled light helps to keep the beets tender. They typically take about 8-12 weeks to mature, with the roots being ready for harvest once they reach a desirable size.
Rosemary
Rosemary can grow in dappled shade, though it prefers more sunlight. In areas with intense afternoon heat, dappled shade provides a cooler, more suitable environment for this herb.
Rosemary thrives in well-drained, sandy soil with good fertility. It needs moderate watering; it is drought-tolerant but performs better with regular moisture. Dappled shade can help protect rosemary from extreme temperatures, especially in hot climates. Rosemary is generally slow-growing, and you can start harvesting once the plant is well-established, usually after 6-12 months.
Sage
Sage can tolerate dappled shade, particularly in hot climates where it benefits from the cooler, indirect light. While sage prefers full sun, dappled shade can be a good compromise.
Sage requires well-drained soil and should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. The filtered light of dappled shade helps prevent stress during the hottest parts of the day. Sage is ready for harvesting once the plant is established, usually within 2-3 months of planting.
Dill
Dill can grow in dappled shade, where the cooler conditions can help it maintain tender, flavourful leaves. While dill prefers full sun, it can adapt to filtered light conditions, especially in warmer regions.
Dill prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It needs regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Dappled shade helps protect dill from intense heat, which can cause it to bolt prematurely. Dill is generally ready for harvest in about 6-8 weeks for leaves and about 10-12 weeks if you’re growing it for seeds.