Sun Requirements Vegetables

Question

Which vegetables are best for areas with less sun. I know that all or most of them like as much sun as possible. I know that lettuces can do well in partial shade.

I live on the southern part of Vancouver Island. My apartment balcony has a SE exposure. I’m growing in pots, planters and hanging baskets. At this time of year (May-June) I get full sun from about 7:30AM until about noon at one end of the balcony and until about 2:30-3:00PM at the other end (a little later through the summer).

I’m particularly interested in cooler weather crops so that I can push the shoulders of the growing season in spring and fall/winter.

Thank you for any help!

Answer 1

You’re in luck! A lot of cold weather vegetables happen to be the most shade tolerant. These are mostly leafy greens and root crops. This article will give you a good list of plants that can thrive in your conditions: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/shade-vegetables.htm

This article is geared particularly toward your situation of growing in low light containers and will expand your list to herbs and even flowers that should thrive in your environment: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/urban/urban-gardening-in-low-light.htm