As a basic rule of thumb, vegetables grown for their fruit or roots—such as tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, squash, potatoes, or carrots—require full sun, which is defined as a garden location that receives at least six hours of direct sun each day. Vegetables grown for the leaves, stems, or buds often do quite well without full sun. Many vegetables can produce nicely with three to six hours of sunlight per day—or with constant dappled sunlight for the entire day. Keep in mind, though, that no vegetable can thrive in deep, dense shade. While ornamental gardeners have choices for plants to grow in full shade, that’s not the case for vegetable gardeners. Here are 16 edible plants that will produce well if they receive three to six hours of direct sunlight each day—or constant dappled light for the full day.
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (annual)Sun Exposure: Full sun, tolerates part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, well-draining soil
There are many varieties of beans to choose from and are easy to grow from seed. You can even be frugal and save some beans to provide next year’s seeds.
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (annual)Sun Exposure: Full sun, tolerates part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, medium-moisture soil
If you’re short on space, beets can also do quite well in a deep container. For a continual harvest, keep planting a few seeds every week or so. Just be sure to keep them watered so the roots do not turn woody.
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (annual)Sun Exposure: Full sun, tolerates part shadeSoil Needs: Loamy soil
A member of the cabbage family, this is also a relatively easy plant to grow—just keep it watered, and then wait for the harvest. If you are in a hotter climate, you may even be able to sneak two crops into the extended season by replacing the old plants with new seedlings.
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (annual)Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade (shade preferred in hot climates)Soil Needs: Rich, moist soil
This is also a plant that can maximize that shadier spot in the garden. Because it takes so long to mature, you can plant a different short-season crop in between the rows. Bush beans and peas are perfect.
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (annual)Sun Exposure: Full sun, tolerates part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
Cauliflower can tolerate some cold, so it’s a good last-minute addition to the garden. It does take a little work, especially if you want white or purple cauliflower with a sweeter taste because it will need to be blanched. Once the plant begins to form the fruit, wrap the large leaves around and over the center of the plant securing them with twine. You need to check your plants periodically to make sure all parts of the growing cauliflower head are protected from direct sunlight.
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (annual)Sun Exposure: Full sun, tolerates part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
For good growth, collard greens need about four to five hours of sun for full flavor. It, too, is a good plant for colder climates.
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (annual)Sun Exposure: Full sun, tolerates part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, well-drained soil
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (annual)Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Loose, well-drained soil
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (annual)Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil
You have a few options when it comes to planting these great salad greens to enjoy them throughout the season. For instance, you can succession plant or simply use the containers as a “cut and come again” garden, picking (and using) the oldest leaves as needed.
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (annual)Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade; prefers some shadeSoil Needs: Rich, medium-moisture, well-drained soil
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (annual)Sun Exposure: Full sun, tolerates part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
This is also a space-saving crop. Many varieties like to climb up a trellis or some sort of support, and once they are done, you can plant a quick-growing, late-season crop like broccoli or try a second pea crop.
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (annual)Sun Exposure: Full sun, tolerates part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, moisture-retentive soil
With radishes, you have many options when it comes to varieties. It is fun to sprinkle many different radishes throughout your garden. Some mature fast, some like the fall season, and the sizes vary as much as the color. Have fun with all the possibilities.
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (annual)Sun Exposure: Full sun, tolerates part shadeSoil Needs: Sandy or loamy soil
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (annual)Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, well-drained soil
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11 (annual)Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, well-drained soil
