We’ve always heard that plants absolutely NEED bright sunlight to grow. And that’s true to a certain extent. But, what if I told you there are some plants that can grow quite well in shade?
In today’s article, we’ll be taking a look at edible plants that you can grow in partial shade, even in the comfort of your balcony.
Let’s dive right into it, shall we?
What Does “Partial Shade” Really Mean?
So, you might hear a lot of gardeners mention the word “partial shade”, but what exactly is partial shade?
Well, unlike full shade, which offers complete darkness with no light penetration whatsoever, partial shade is flexible and offers fewer downsides.
An area or spot that receives only 2-4 hours of sunlight every day is considered partially shaded.
10 Edible Plants That Thrive In Partial Shade
1: Lettuce
Lettuce, as some of you might already know, grows well in cool, shady spots. Because bolting is a common issue with this leafy green, it’s often recommended that you keep it out of direct sunlight and plant it in partial shade.
If you have limited space and access to shallow containers only, there’s nothing better to grow than lettuce.
2: Spinach
Like lettuce, spinach prefers cooler temperatures and doesn’t mind limited light. It grows very fast, even in early spring or late summer shade.
3: Kale
Kale tolerates low light better than most leafy greens. It grows at a much slower pace compared to other leafy greens, but is still quite productive. If you’re into continuous harvests, baby kale can be a great cut-and-come-again option.
4: Arugula
Something quite unique about arugula is that it has the tendency to become spicier if exposed to full sun. Partial shade works best for arugula as it allows the leafy green to develop a mild and pleasant flavor.
Arugula is super container-friendly and fast-growing, meaning more productivity.
5: Swiss Chard
Not only is Swiss chard shade-tolerant and very productive with just 3-4 hours of sun, but it also offers visual appeal thanks to its colorful stalks. If you only cut the outer leaves of the vibrant leafy green every time, you can totally have a continuous harvest.
6: Green Onions (Scallions)
Green onions are perfect for compact spaces, and they can tolerate limited light very well. You can easily grow green onions from seeds or scraps. I’d say they’re ideal for window boxes or balcony pots.
7: Mint
Mint thrives in shady corners of the garden and spreads rather aggressively. Even without full sun, mint can develop the strong, minty flavor it’s known for. It’s probably a good idea to grow mint in containers to keep it from spreading too fast and hindering the growth of other plants.
8: Parsley
Parsley is one of the few herbs that don’t mind filtered light. It’s an excellent choice for fragrant balcony herb gardens.
9: Cilantro (Coriander)
Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures for growth, and shade prolongs its life before bolting. It’s ideal for spring and fall container gardens.
10: Peas (Sugar Snap Or Snow Peas)
Peas, no matter the variety, are surprisingly shade-tolerant, especially in cooler months. They do need a bit of maintenance and some support from a trellis, but pods can be harvested early and often, meaning more plant productivity.
My Favorite Shade Growing Tips For Small Spaces
Let’s Conclude
Well, I guess the myth about plants needing sunlight all the time to grow well has been debunked, eh? But, in all seriousness, only a select few edible plants can thrive in partial shade.
The plants that do possess this power are super easy to maintain and provide you with the flexibility to move them wherever you like.
I guess that’s the beauty of gardening: having options and being able to pick according to your personality or preferences.
