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Vegetables That Require Shade

A shady garden area does not mean vegetables won't grow. While it's true that some vegetables need full sun, others can handle shade and even grow better with a respite from the sun's heat. Different types of shade might be better or worse for vegetable growing. For example, an area completely shaded all day long might not work, while an area that receives partial shade or dappled shade can see success.
  1. Greens

    • Many different greens grow well in the shade. Plant salad greens, such as radicchio, leaf lettuce, arugula or endive. Other leafy greens also work well in the garden. Consider greens not typically served raw, but can be stewed in soups, roasted or lightly sautéed. Some of these shade-growing greens include collard greens, kale, mustard greens and Swiss chard.

    Beans and Peas

    • Beans are a common home-garden vegetable. They are easy to grow and most varieties produce an abundance of beans. Peas are also common home vegetables because they grow in partial shade. However, getting a large harvest of peas and beans takes longer in partial sun conditions. Bush or dwarf pea or bean varieties work better than pole varieties in shady spots.

    Root Vegetables

    • Many different root vegetables thrive in the shade, but need at least four hours of sun each day for ideal production. A full harvest takes longer than it would in a sunny garden. Root vegetables that work in a shady garden include carrots, potatoes, beets, radishes and turnips. While these vegetables might take longer to mature, harvest them early and have gourmet baby carrots, potatoes or beets.

    Herbs

    • Fresh herbs heighten meals' flavor. When you have a shady garden, consider planting a wide variety of herbs, such as cilantro, chives, oregano, mint and parsley. Other herbs, like basil, need full sun to produce.