Do you want to know about the Vegetables that Grow in the Shade? Check out the Best Shade Loving Vegetables in our article.
Do you have a patch in your garden that falls under shade for the most part of the day? You may be wrong if you think it is a useless space and you cannot grow anything. Check out the Vegetables that Grow in the Shade in our article on Best Shade Loving Vegetables.
Check out our list of edible plants that grow best in the shade here
Best Vegetables that Grow in Shade
Do note that these vegetables need comparatively less light than the veggies that love to be in full sun. For the best harvest, make sure you keep these in dappled sunlight.
1. Lettuce
Lettuce is not just for salads, and there are so many lettuce recipes on the web if you search for them. It is the best option for a shady space as it needs cool surroundings, moist soil, and partial sunlight.
Find out the best Lettuce garden ideas here
2. Asian Greens
Bok Choy, Mizuna, or Tatsoi, choose from large varieties of Asian greens and grow these tangy leafy vegetables in your garden to use your shady space well.
Plant them in the rich loamy, and moist soil, in spring and in fall in a place that receives morning sun. In warm subtropical or tropical climates, you can even grow these leafy vegetables in 2-3 hours of sunlight.
Check out the best Asian Greens for containers here
3. Spinach
If you love creamed spinach, spinach soup, and puree, why not grow it in your shady space? Spinach is a nutritious vegetable, rich in iron and sour in taste.
It loves slightly acidic and moist soil and does well in 3-4 hours of sunlight. You can also grow spinach indoors.
Want to know how to grow Spinach? Read here.
4. Kohlrabi
Another vegetable that Grows easily in the Shade is Kohlrabi. It won’t mind a dappled shade and also grows quite fast. You can make delicious dishes of it and add it to your salads.
5. Peas
Freshly picked peas are the tastiest, so why not try them? You can even grow them in 4-5 hours of sunlight if you are living in a climate where the sun is hot and intense.
Learn about Growing Beans in Containers here
6. Asparagus
Asparagus plants can do well in full shade. You can harvest this long-lived perennial veggie in your shaded garden in spring and summer.
7. Cabbage
Grow cabbage in the cool season in a partially shaded garden. You can enjoy this vegetable in salads, soups, stir-fries, pickles, kimchi, and raw.
Find out the top Cabbage growing tips here
8. Brussels Sprouts
Grow Brussels sprouts as a long-season vegetable in the spring and harvest in the fall. They can grow well in partial shade and endure warmer months.
Learn about growing Brussels Sprouts in pots here
9. Carrots
You can grow carrots in a shaded garden under bright light, and they can take longer to mature. However, the shaded garden can provide sweeter carrots in warm weather.
Learn how to grow Carrot from Carrot tops here
10. Radishes
Radishes thrive best in shady areas, and you can easily grow this wonder plant that is quick to germinate. You should experiment with growing different kinds of radishes.
Find how to grow Watermelon Radishes here
11. Fava Beans
Fava Beans are also called Broad Beans; they love the shade, particularly in summer, and grow quite well in it. You can plant them easily when the weather in your area warms up.
12. Kale
Kale is a favorite veggie for health freaks, and you can easily grow it in the shade as it loves the shadier parts of your garden. Harvest the young leaves for the best flavor.
Have a look at the best types of kale here
13. Celery
If you want your celery to taste sweeter and look light greener, grow them in a bright, shaded location. It will be ready to harvest in 150-180 days.
Do you know you can grow Celery in water? Click here
14. Swiss Chard
Swiss Chard is related to spinach and provides the best, sweet, and tender flavor when grown in a shaded place and harvested young.
Here’s all you need to know about growing Swiss Chard in pots
15. Beets
Beetroots grow smaller when you grow them in the shade, but the taste is more earthly and mellow. Make sure you keep the growing medium a little on the moist side.
Want to grow Beets in containers? Learn here
16. Green Onions
Grow another vegetable, bunching onions or green onions, in a location with partial shade. You can enjoy a steady, tasty supply all summer while other veggies can bask in the sun.
Check out our article on growing green onions here
17. Arugula (Rocket)
Arugula tastes peppery and strong when grown in full sunlight and tastes a little mild when you grow them in the shade. It can also thrive in heat when growing in partial sunlight.
Check out the best Arugula companion plants here
18. Turnip
Turnip is another cool season crop that you can grow for its roots and greens. Grow it in partial shade to extend the harvest. It gets a better flavor when grown in the shade.
Have a look at the best types of Turnips here
19. Mustard Greens
If your yard has a warm yet shady patch, grow Mustard Greens. It loves the shade, as direct sunlight can make it bolt quickly and cause the edges to turn brown, curl up, and cause stress.
20. Microgreens
The best part about growing microgreens is the fact that you can have them anywhere—a windowsill, garden, or even trays. They do well in indirect light but for best growth, provide at least 2-3 hours of direct sun.
Although a sunny spot is ideal for most fruit and vegetables, many vegetable crops, including beetroot, radish and salad leaves, will grow well in shade.