14 Vegetables You Can Grow Without Full Sun

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One of the best ways to save money while reducing your carbon footprint and being assured that you have the freshest produce in town is by growing vegetables in your garden. Plants need the sun to grow, but not everyone has a backyard with the right amount of sunlight.

The great news is there are loads of vegetables that can do just fine in partially shaded or even shady conditions. Here are a few of them.

Lettuce

A cool-weather crop such as lettuce is often grown in partially shaded areas. It needs about 4 hours of sun per day, as too much sun can make it wilt or bolt before you can harvest the leaves. Opt for variety with leaves such as romaine or butterhead.

Spinach

Spinach does well in partial shade. This plant can take up to 3 or 4 hours of sunlight and withstands cooler conditions. You should ensure the soil stays relatively moist (which helps your plant grow optimally).

Arugula

Arugula (aka rocket or rucola) is perfect for salads and sandwiches. It needs only a few hours sun per day and will likely bolt in hot weather. Plant it in early spring or late summer for the best yield. The leaves can be harvested often to promote new growth.

Kale

Kale is a good source of nutrition and it can even withstand some shade. This plant can be grown under the frame with just three hours of sunlight. The soil should be kept in its moist form and fertilised regularly for best results.

Radishes

Radishes are quick-growing root plants that thrive in partial shade. They need four to six hours of sunlight each day. Thin them out for the best outcome and allow them to grow to a large size before harvesting.

Carrots

Another root vegetable that thrives in a partially shaded location is carrots. They need as much as four hours of sunlight a day, and can tolerate somewhat cooler temperatures. Keep the soil moist for optimal growth.

Broccoli

Broccoli falls under the Cruciferous vegetable group and enjoys partial shade. Broccoli loves cooler weather. According to SeedMoney, the best bet is to give this plant 4-6 hours of sun every day. Keep the soil evenly moist with regular watering, and feed plants weekly for best growth.

Cauliflower

Also in the brassica family, another cruciferous vegetable that can grow in partial shade is cauliflower. It needs four to six hours of direct sunlight. Water the soil repeatedly and maintain a moist soil; heads are ready to harvest when they become firm and tight.

Peas

Peas are a cool-weather crop that can handle some shade. All they need is three to four hours of sunlight per day, and they grow well in colder temperatures. They are best grown with support for their climbing varieties, regular watering to keep the soil moist but not saturated, and frequent harvesting to prevent secondary sprouting.

Beets

According to The Spruce, beets can be grown in a partial shade area, as they are root vegetables. They do the best on just 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day. Maintain soil moisture to help them grow well and pick when they are the size that you want.

Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is a partial shade-loving leafy green. It requires just three to four hours of sunlight and cool weather conditions. Harvest it frequently by cutting outer leaves for continued growth.

Cabbage

Members of the brassica family, like cabbage, are very good with partial shade. It requires only four to six hours of sunlight, and thrives in cooler climates. Water consistently, and harvest when the heads are firm.

Brussel Sprouts

Cruciferous vegetables, including brussel sprouts, may thrive in partial shade. According to this UGA publication, brussel sprouts need to receive 4–6 hours of direct sunlight per day and should be given deep watering at least once a week in addition to daily watering. Harvest your sprouts at yields a desired size.

Potatoes

Potatoes, since they are tubers, can be planted in partial shade. They will need four (4) to six (6) hours of direct sunlight per day. Work in compost or apply fertilizer to the soil on a regular basis; harvest them when the foliage begins to die back.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.