Best Vegetables, Herbs, and Fruits That Grow in Shade

Understanding Shade: What Counts as “Shade” in the Garden?

Before selecting plants, it’s important to understand the types of shade:

• Full Shade: Less than 2 hours of direct sun per day, with filtered or dappled light the rest of the time.

• Partial Shade: 2–6 hours of direct sun per day, often morning or late afternoon sun.

• Light Shade: Bright but indirect light for much of the day.

Most edible plants that tolerate shade do best in partial shade. Very few will thrive in deep, dense shade, but many can produce well with just a few hours of sunlight or bright, indirect light45.

Best Shade-Tolerant Vegetables

Leafy greens and some root crops are the stars of the shade garden. Here are the top performers:

1. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

• Why it thrives: Lettuce prefers cool roots and can bolt in hot sun, so shade actually extends its harvest window.

• Tips: Sow seeds in loose, well-drained soil and harvest in the cool morning for the crispiest leaves17.

2. Spinach

• Why it thrives: Shade helps prevent bolting and bitterness, making for sweeter, tender leaves.

• Tips: Keep soil moist and harvest regularly to encourage new growth17.

3. Kale

• Why it thrives: Kale tolerates low light and cooler temperatures, producing sweet leaves in shade.

• Tips: Harvest outer leaves and let the plant keep growing146.

4. Arugula

• Why it thrives: Fast-growing and shade-tolerant, arugula stays mild and less likely to bolt in low light146.

5. Swiss Chard

• Why it thrives: Chard is robust and produces well in partial shade, with colorful stems adding visual interest.

• Tips: Harvest leaves continuously for a long season6.

6. Mustard Greens & Collard Greens

• Why they thrive: Both are resilient to shade and heat, producing large, nutritious leaves6.

7. Asian Greens (Bok Choy, Tatsoi, Mizuna)

• Why they thrive: These greens are adapted to lower light and cooler temperatures, making them perfect for shady beds6.

8. Beets

• Why they thrive: Beets can grow in partial shade, though roots may be smaller; the greens are also edible and shade-tolerant14.

9. Radishes

• Why they thrive: Quick to mature, radishes grow well in partial shade, producing crisp roots and edible greens145.

10. Carrots

• Why they thrive: Carrots tolerate partial shade, though roots may be smaller and slower to mature15.

11. Peas

• Why they thrive: Peas can tolerate shade, especially in the heat of summer, and produce sweet pods45.

12. Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts

• Why they thrive: These brassicas can handle partial shade, especially in hot climates, and may produce better heads as a result145.

13. Scallions, Leeks, and Onions

• Why they thrive: These alliums tolerate partial shade and add flavor to many dishes145.

14. Turnips, Kohlrabi, Rutabagas, and Parsnips

• Why they thrive: These root crops will develop in partial shade, though growth may be slower4.

15. Celery and Endive

• Why they thrive: Both appreciate cooler, shadier spots and produce crisp, tender stalks and leaves4.

Best Shade-Tolerant Herbs

Many common culinary herbs adapt well to shade, especially those with tender leaves rather than woody stems:

1. Mint

• Why it thrives: Mint prefers moist, partially shaded areas and can quickly take over, so plant in containers if needed2456.

2. Parsley

• Why it thrives: Parsley grows well in partial shade, especially in warm climates, and produces lush foliage246.

3. Chives

• Why it thrives: Chives tolerate light shade and add a mild onion flavor to dishes246.

4. Lemon Balm

• Why it thrives: Lemon balm enjoys shade and stays more tender and flavorful out of direct sun246.

5. Cilantro

• Why it thrives: Shade helps prevent cilantro from bolting, extending the harvest6.

6. Oregano, Thyme, and Sage

• Why they thrive: While they prefer sun, these Mediterranean herbs can grow in light shade, especially in hot climates46.

7. Dill

• Why it thrives: Dill tolerates partial shade and still produces feathery leaves and seeds6.

8. Sweet Woodruff, Angelica, Borage, Lovage, Tarragon, Caraway, and Ginger

• Why they thrive: These lesser-known herbs do well in shady spots, adding variety and fragrance to your garden24.

Best Fruits for Shade

While most fruiting plants need sun, several berries and a few other fruits are naturally adapted to woodland edges and tolerate partial shade:

1. Blueberries

• Why they thrive: Blueberries prefer acidic, well-drained soil and do well in partial shade, especially in hot climates. Shade helps keep soil moist and berries plump3.

2. Currants (Red, Black, White)

• Why they thrive: Currants are among the best fruits for shade, producing clusters of tart, vitamin-rich berries3.

3. Gooseberries

• Why they thrive: Gooseberries grow well in partial shade and are easy to care for, producing sweet-tart fruit3.

4. Elderberries

• Why they thrive: Elderberries tolerate shade and produce clusters of small, dark berries beloved by birds and for syrups or jams3.

5. Strawberries

• Why they thrive: While strawberries prefer sun, many varieties (especially June-bearing and alpine types) will fruit in partial shade, producing smaller but sweeter berries35.

6. Raspberries and Blackberries

• Why they thrive: Many bramble berries are naturally woodland plants and can produce in partial shade, though yields may be reduced5.

7. Alpine Strawberries and Japanese Wineberries

• Why they thrive: These specialty berries are adapted to woodland conditions and can thrive in shadier spots7.

8. Rhubarb

• Why it thrives: Rhubarb is technically a vegetable but used as a fruit; it tolerates shade and produces tart stalks for pies and preserves4.

Tips for Success in Shady Gardens

1. Prioritize Leafy Crops:
If you grow it for the leaves (lettuce, spinach, kale, herbs), it’s likely to do well in shade. Fruiting crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash) need more sun and will struggle in low light5.

2. Improve Soil Quality:
Shade gardens often have tree roots and less organic matter. Add compost or well-rotted manure to boost fertility and moisture retention.

3. Water Wisely:
Shady spots can be drier (under trees) or wetter (north sides of buildings). Monitor soil moisture and water as needed.

4. Space Plants Appropriately:
Plants in shade may grow taller and leggier as they reach for light. Give them extra space for air circulation.

5. Use Reflective Mulch or Surfaces:
Light-colored mulch or nearby walls can reflect light and boost growth.

6. Prune Overhanging Branches:
If possible, thin tree canopies to allow more dappled sunlight into your garden.

Sample Shade Garden Planting Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can tomatoes or peppers grow in shade?
A: Fruiting vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants need at least 6–8 hours of sun and will not thrive in shade. Stick to leafy greens, herbs, and certain berries for best results5.

Q: How much shade is too much?
A: Most shade-tolerant edibles need at least 2–4 hours of direct sun or bright, dappled light. Deep, dense shade (like under evergreens) is best for non-edible plants or mushrooms.

Q: Will yields be lower in shade?
A: Yes, most crops will grow more slowly and may be smaller than those in full sun, but you can still harvest plenty with the right varieties and care.

Conclusion

A shady garden doesn’t have to be a barrier to growing your own food. By choosing the right vegetables, herbs, and fruits—especially leafy greens, root crops, shade-loving herbs, and woodland berries—you can enjoy a productive and beautiful edible garden even in low light. With thoughtful plant selection, soil care, and a little experimentation, you’ll discover that shade can be a blessing, offering cool, lush harvests all season long.

References:
1 Martha Stewart
2 Gardening Know How
3 Back Gardener
4 University of Washington
5 Reddit Vegetable Gardening
6 Gardenary
7 RHS Gardening