If you’re a gardener that faces the challenge of a less-than-sunny garden bed, you may be bummed out by the idea of missing out on the sun-worshipping vegetables (like tomatoes). Let’s take a moment here to forget about what might not do well in your garden and what has the potential to actually thrive in it.

I’m not messing with your head; there are veggies that love nothing more than a garden that’s a little on the shady side. Of course, not all shade is defined the same way. You’ve got full shade (which would be the only real issue); part shade (which might mean morning sun and afternoon shade or the reverse); strong dappled shade; and light dappled shade just to name a few.

So don’t be too quick about writing it off. Shade on one side of your home won’t be the same as the shade on another, so microclimates should also be considered. For example, if you plant beans near a heat-absorbing stucco wall, that area will stay warm for much longer than a different shady area. This means that the plants grow (and produce) faster, which can make up for the some of the lack of light.

All this means is that you, dear gardener, get to experiment a little bit. The best piece of advice that I can give you is to find the plant varieties that do well in your region to begin with. Get ready to take some notes on these plants that were made for the shade!

Vegetables That Tolerate Some Shade

The group that does the very best in shady spots are the leafy green types. Think lettuces, spinach, Swiss chard, arugula, kale, mustard greens, celery, and collard greens. There’s plenty of herbs that have no problem with shade such as parsley, mint, thyme, cilantro, oregano, basil, and chives.

Bulb and tuber crops like onions and potatoes can sometimes pull it off. Be prepared to harvest a little later than normal and have a smaller yield. I’ve also had great luck with growing both carrots and radishes in light shade.

Both bush beans and peas can perform quite well in light shade. June-bearing and ever-bearing strawberries are perfect for gardens that have part shade. And if in the end you simply can’t resist giving tomatoes a try just one more time, then choose a cherry tomato variety that requires a short season.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Flat Soaker Hose 75 150 FT for Garden Beds

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Consistent & Even Watering Drip Irrigation Hose: Makes use of a clog-resistant fabric cover recycled vinyl for consistent slow soaking seep throughout its entire length. Deliver water to the entire area that it covers. Only certain areas of your garden bed getting watered. For waste-free watering in garden beds and other tight spaces. Waters the base of the plants so less water-related leaf damage. Linkable Garden Soaker Hose For DIY Irrigation System: End to end connectable drip water hose, flexible versatile Above-ground or bury it below a up to 3-inch layer of mulch or soil; this fit with garden hose threads and come with rust resistant end caps that make it possible to connect multiple hoses and works well with timers. Maneuverability And 100% Environmentally Friendly Drip Hose: Double layer design PVC Covered With Extra-Strength Fabric material protect from sun damage than rubber weeping hose; ensure the longevity of the soaker hose, which is ideal for you using it regularly through all seasons in your garden. Made of 100% environmentally friendly recycled vinyl, pass CA65 test, water is safe for ground which makes it perfect for use with vegetables, herbs, and other edible plants. Easy To Store Flat Soaker Hose: This irrigation drip hose flat design is kink-resistant, lies flat makes it a breeze to roll up and store for next season.The flat shape also makes it simple to snake under existing plant growth. One-Year Warranty on Flat Soaker Hoses: Ensure a water pressure of 40-90 psi for best results—hot water is not suitable.

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Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden, Revised and Updated Second Edition: A Natural Approach to Pest Control

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This revised and updated edition of Jessica Walliser’s award-winning Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden offers a valuable and science-backed plan for bringing balance back to the garden. With this indispensable gardening reference—now updated with new research, insights, and voices—learn how to create a healthy, balanced, and diverse garden capable of supporting a hard-working crew of beneficial pest-eating insects and eliminate the need for synthetic chemical pesticides.

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A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

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MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

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