What to Plant If You Don't Have Full Sun

Gardeners often contend with less than ideal growing conditions. It could be a very small space, nearby buildings or trees that cast shade or soil that has too much clay or is very sandy. You may be able to add to this list, especially if you are an urban gardener.

Brijette Pena of San Diego Seed Company reminds me on occasion that urban gardeners adapt to the growing conditions where they garden. This is usually when I’ve complained about not as much sun as I’d like on my vegetable garden. Some months my vegetable garden receives only four hours of sun daily (if it’s not foggy).

But there are many vegetables I can grow and generally, the ones that tolerate fewer hours of sun produce well. I plant lettuce and other greens in beds that may receive less sun and more bright shade. My best crops include broccoli, lettuce, beets, carrots, arugula, kale, chard, spinach, peas—all cool season veggies in USDA zones 9 and 10. In the warm season, zucchini, cucumbers, beans, corn and peppers yield acceptably.. I’m less successful with tomatoes. See my post Growing Tomatoes in the Fog Belt.

If you garden with less than 6 hours of sun daily you may find this article from Renee’s Garden blog useful.
What To Plant If You Don't Have Full Sun. Here’s a short paragraph from the piece.
Still, many gardeners face the following dilemma: They want to grow vegetables and herbs, but don't have the required 6 hours of direct sunlight per day that most edible plants need. Or, they want to grow some colorful flowers from seed, but aren't sure which will grow in their partially shady location. Depending on the type of shade your garden receives, as well as your climate and the time of year, you may be surprised at the range of choices you actually have.

There are vegetables, flowers and herbs you can grow in half-shade and dappled shade. Read on!