When you are looking for the perfect location for your vegetable garden, most people would pick an area that gets a lot of sunshine. Rightfully so, since many vegetables thrive in direct sunlight. What if you only have access to a shaded area, can you still establish a vegetable garden? The good news is, yes you can. There are indeed some vegetables that can survive in a shady garden.

Although, most of these veggies will still grow in the shade. Their production is usually not as good as if they had access to full sun during the day. I have an area in my garden that gets about 4 to 6 hours of sun every single day. Over the years I have been experimenting with some ‘grow in the shade vegetables’. The list below showcases, those that I have had some sort of success with.

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1. Salad Greens

These include kale, spinach, Swiss chard and more. They can grow in less than 4 hours of sunlight per day. However, they will only produce small, sweet leaves that tend to be very tender.

2. Cucumbers

You can grow these too, but they will require at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

3. Peas

Generally, they are a cool weather plant. They actually want to be in that shady spot.

4. Beets

Since it is a root vegetable, the ‘fruit’ is found below the ground, hence it does not require too much sun.

5. Beans

Plant bush varieties, which tend to grow faster in the shade than the pole beans.

6. Rhubarb

Shade in the afternoon, actually helps this vegetable as it prevents the soil from getting too dry.

7. Green Onions

I love these, they grow pretty much anywhere. Plant these in an area with less than 4 hours of daily sunlight.

8. Sweet Potatoes

Just like the beans, the bushy varieties will do better in the shade.

9. Turnips

Yet another cool weather vegetable. The best time to grow these are in the spring and fall.

So there you have it, a list of my favorite ‘shady areas’ vegetables. Remember the soil type may also affect your plants. It is always recommended that besides the amount of sunlight, you grow vegetables for your particular soil type. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little to see what works in your garden.

You can get more information on the The Balance blog here…