Gardening Soul
16 Vegetables That Love the Shade
by Linda Parker March 30, 2025
When most people think of growing vegetables, they assume they need a garden bathed in full sunlight.
While it’s true that many vegetables prefer 6 to 8 hours of direct sun, there are plenty of crops that grow well—even thrive—in partial shade.
If your garden only gets morning sun, dappled light through trees, or sits in the shadow of a fence or building, you can still grow an abundant harvest.
This guide will walk you through 16 of the best vegetables to grow in shady gardens, including how much light they need, how to grow them successfully, and expert tips for getting the most from your low-light garden.
Understanding Shade: What Counts as Enough Light?
Before planting, it’s important to assess how much sunlight your garden actually gets.
Here’s a quick breakdown of common light conditions:
Full Sun: 6 to 8+ hours of direct sunlight per day
Partial Shade: 3 to 6 hours of direct sun (often morning sun)
Dappled Shade: Filtered sunlight through trees or a pergola
Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sun
Most vegetables that tolerate shade still need at least 3 hours of sunlight, ideally in the morning or early afternoon. Very few food plants grow well in deep shade.
1. Spinach
Spinach is one of the most shade-tolerant leafy greens. It thrives in cool temperatures and tends to bolt (go to seed) when exposed to too much heat or sun.
In a shady garden, spinach grows more slowly but remains tender and productive.
Light requirements: 3 to 5 hours of sunlight or dappled shade
Soil: Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with compost
Planting: Sow seeds directly in early spring; thin to 4 inches apart
Harvest: 30 to 45 days for mature leaves; 20 days for baby leaves
Tip: Harvest outer leaves regularly to extend productivity
2. Lettuce
Lettuce prefers cooler temperatures and actually performs better in partial shade during warm weather. The lower light slows down bolting and preserves the crispness of the leaves.
Light requirements: 3 to 4 hours of sunlight
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil with high organic content
Planting: Sow seeds in rows; thin seedlings to 6 inches apart
Harvest: 30 to 60 days depending on variety
Tip: Opt for loose-leaf or romaine varieties for continuous harvesting
3. Arugula
This fast-growing leafy green has a spicy, peppery flavor and grows exceptionally well in cooler, partially shaded spots. It matures quickly and can be cut multiple times.
Light requirements: 3 to 4 hours of sunlight
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil; prefers cooler temps
Planting: Sow directly; thin to 4 inches apart
Harvest: 20 to 30 days
Tip: Harvest young leaves to keep flavor milder
4. Kale
Kale is cold-hardy and shade-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for less sunny areas. In cooler, shadier environments, kale leaves stay tender and sweet longer into the season.
Light requirements: 4 to 5 hours of sunlight
Soil: Fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
Planting: Start from seed or transplant; space plants 12 to 18 inches apart
Harvest: 50 to 70 days; harvest outer leaves as needed
Tip: Avoid letting kale bolt by providing consistent moisture and cool conditions
5. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a colorful, nutrient-rich leafy green that performs well in partial shade. It’s a cut-and-come-again plant, so one sowing can provide months of harvest.
Light requirements: 4 to 6 hours of sunlight
Soil: Rich, loamy soil with good drainage
Planting: Sow seeds or transplant; space 8 to 10 inches apart
Harvest: 50 to 60 days; harvest outer leaves regularly
Tip: Even if stalks are large, the leaves remain tender
6. Mustard Greens
These fast-growing greens are known for their spicy flavor, which becomes milder when grown in shade. They thrive in spring and fall and tolerate lower light levels well.
Light requirements: 3 to 4 hours
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
Planting: Sow seeds directly; thin to 6 inches apart
Harvest: 30 to 40 days
Tip: Cut younger leaves for salads; older leaves are better cooked
7. Bok Choy (Pak Choi)
This cool-season Asian vegetable is one of the best crops for spring or fall in partially shaded areas. It grows quickly and has a mild flavor.
Light requirements: 3 to 5 hours
Soil: Moist, fertile, well-draining soil
Planting: Sow seeds or transplant; space 6 to 8 inches apart
Harvest: 30 to 45 days
Tip: Water consistently to avoid bolting
8. Cabbage
While cabbage prefers full sun, it still performs well in partial shade, especially in warmer climates. The shade slows bolting and helps maintain firm heads.
Light requirements: 4 to 5 hours
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
Planting: Transplant seedlings; space 12 to 18 inches apart
Harvest: 70 to 90 days depending on variety
Tip: Protect young plants from cabbage worms with row covers
9. Broccoli
Broccoli heads develop best in cool, partially shaded conditions. Shading prevents premature bolting and helps heads form more slowly and densely.
Light requirements: 4 to 6 hours
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with compost
Planting: Transplant seedlings; space 18 inches apart
Harvest: 60 to 90 days
Tip: After harvesting the main head, side shoots may continue to grow
10. Cauliflower
Like broccoli, cauliflower prefers cooler conditions and is more sensitive to heat. Partial shade protects it and improves the quality of the curds.
Light requirements: 4 to 5 hours
Soil: Loose, well-drained soil with added compost
Planting: Transplant seedlings; space 18 to 24 inches apart
Harvest: 70 to 90 days
Tip: Tie the outer leaves over the head to keep it white and tender
11. Peas
Peas are a cool-season crop that benefits from shade in late spring and summer. They will produce well with just a few hours of light each day.
Light requirements: 4 to 6 hours
Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil
Planting: Sow seeds directly; space 2 inches apart
Harvest: 55 to 70 days
Tip: Use a trellis to improve airflow and reduce disease
12. Celery
Celery is a moisture-loving plant that appreciates cooler, shaded environments. It’s a slow grower but well worth the wait.
Light requirements: 3 to 5 hours
Soil: Fertile, moisture-retentive soil with compost
Planting: Start indoors and transplant; space 10 inches apart
Harvest: 100 to 120 days
Tip: Keep soil constantly moist to prevent stringy stalks
13. Leeks
Leeks are long-season vegetables that do well in partial shade. They grow slowly but develop beautifully in cooler, low-light spots.
Light requirements: 3 to 5 hours
Soil: Loose, rich soil with consistent moisture
Planting: Transplant seedlings; space 6 inches apart
Harvest: 90 to 120 days
Tip: Hill soil around stems as they grow for longer white shanks
14. Green Onions (Scallions)
Scallions are compact and shade-tolerant, ideal for containers or tight garden spots with less sun.
Light requirements: 3 to 4 hours
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
Planting: Sow directly or transplant; space 1 to 2 inches apart
Harvest: 30 to 45 days
Tip: Regrow from trimmed bases to extend harvest
15. Radishes
Radishes grow quickly and tolerate some shade, especially in early spring or fall. They’re great for interplanting with other shade-loving crops.
Light requirements: 4 to 5 hours
Soil: Light, loose soil for proper root formation
Planting: Sow seeds directly; thin to 2 inches apart
Harvest: 25 to 35 days
Tip: Harvest promptly to avoid woody or spicy roots
16. Beets
Beets are grown for both their greens and their roots, and they tolerate partial shade well. Growth will be slower in shade but still productive.
Light requirements: 3 to 5 hours
Soil: Deep, fertile soil free of rocks
Planting: Sow seeds directly; thin to 3 to 4 inches apart
Harvest: 50 to 70 days
Tip: Harvest greens early while letting roots mature
While a full-sun garden offers the broadest range of vegetable choices, a shaded garden can be surprisingly productive if you choose the right crops.
By focusing on leafy greens, root vegetables, and cool-season favorites, you can grow a healthy, thriving garden even with limited sunlight.
With proper soil preparation, regular watering, and smart plant choices, your shady garden can become a hidden gem of productivity and flavor.
Turn Scraps into Greens: 12 Vegetables You Can Regrow at Home
by Linda Parker October 28, 2024
Imagine turning kitchen waste into fresh produce – it’s not only possible but surprisingly simple!
With just a bit of care, many common vegetables can regrow from scraps, giving you a sustainable and cost-effective way to reduce food waste and enjoy a supply of fresh greens and herbs at home.
Whether you’re working with a small garden or just a windowsill, these vegetables will grow happily with minimal space and effort.
Let’s dive into 12 vegetables you can regrow from scraps and how to nurture them into thriving plants.
1. Lettuce
Lettuce is one of the easiest veggies to grow from leftover scraps. Place the base of a lettuce head in a shallow dish of water and watch new leaves sprout in just a few days!
How to Grow: Place in a sunny spot and change the water every few days. Once roots develop, transplant into soil.
2. Green Onions (Scallions)
Scallions are perfect for regrowing indoors. Simply place the white roots of scallions in water and they’ll start growing new green tops almost immediately.
How to Grow: Keep the jar in a sunny windowsill, and trim the greens as needed.
3. Celery
Don’t toss that celery base! Place it in water, and within a few days, new leaves will appear from the center.
How to Grow: Once roots form, plant the base in soil for a fuller plant.
4. Garlic
If you have garlic cloves sprouting, don’t throw them away! Plant the sprouting cloves in soil, and you’ll soon have fresh garlic greens.
How to Grow: Garlic prefers full sun and well-drained soil. You can also grow garlic greens for cooking.
5. Potatoes
Leftover potatoes with “eyes” can be used to grow new plants. Each sprouting eye will eventually turn into a new potato plant.
How to Grow: Cut the potato into chunks, leaving an eye on each piece. Plant them in soil and water regularly.
6. Ginger
Ginger is incredibly easy to regrow from scraps. Simply place a piece of ginger root with buds facing up in soil, and it will grow into a new plant.
How to Grow: Keep the soil moist and place the pot in indirect light. In a few months, you’ll have fresh ginger!
7. Carrot Tops
While you can’t regrow full carrots, the tops will sprout greens that are perfect for salads or garnishes.
How to Grow: Place the tops in a shallow dish of water and watch the greens grow.
8. Basil
Basil stems can regrow into new plants when placed in water. Cut a few inches off a healthy basil stem and remove the lower leaves.
How to Grow: Once roots form, transplant into soil and enjoy continuous basil all season long.
9. Romaine Lettuce
Like regular lettuce, romaine lettuce can be regrown from the base. Place it in water, and within a week, you’ll see new leaves emerging.
How to Grow: Transfer it to soil for more robust growth.
10. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are excellent for regrowing from scraps. Place a half-cut sweet potato in water, and it will soon sprout new shoots called slips.
How to Grow: Once the slips grow, detach them and plant them in soil.
11. Leeks
Similar to green onions, leeks can be regrown by placing the white base in water. They’ll grow new green tops within a few days.
How to Grow: Plant them in soil once roots form for continuous harvests.
12. Peppers
You can use the seeds from store-bought peppers to grow new plants. Just dry the seeds and plant them in soil.
How to Grow: Keep the pot in a warm, sunny spot, and water regularly. Soon, you’ll have your own pepper plants.
How to Care for Your Regrowing Vegetables
Light: Most of these vegetables need a sunny windowsill or grow light to thrive.
Water: Change water every 2-3 days to prevent rot and bacteria buildup.
Soil Transplant: Some vegetables do best when transferred to soil after sprouting roots in water.
Patience: Growth may vary based on temperature and light availability, so be patient with your regrowing veggies!
Why Grow Vegetables from Scraps?
Reduces Food Waste: Turn kitchen scraps into fresh produce.
Saves Money: Enjoy free vegetables without buying new plants.
Eco-Friendly: Growing your own food reduces your carbon footprint.
Fun and Rewarding: Watch your plants grow and thrive from what was once considered waste.
Is it possible to grow vegetables from scraps? Fact or fiction? 🌱
The good news is – it’s absolutely possible! Many common veggies can regrow from leftover bits you’d normally toss, giving them a second life. With just a little water, light, and patience, you can turn kitchen scraps into fresh produce right at home.
Whether you’re short on space or looking for a sustainable way to reduce waste, regrowing veggies from scraps is easy, rewarding, and eco-friendly.
A Sustainable Way to Grow Your Own Food
Growing vegetables from scraps is an easy and enjoyable way to reduce waste, save money, and add some greenery to your home.
Whether you’re starting with lettuce, garlic, or ginger, these plants are easy to nurture and provide delicious rewards.
Try regrowing a few of these vegetables, and you’ll soon find yourself with a flourishing indoor garden!
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