Delicious in the Shade …
Edible Plants That Thrive Without Full Sun.
I used to think that growing food in a city garden meant chasing the sun.
You know the kind — south-facing, drenched in light all day, with golden rays that make tomatoes blush and basil burst with joy.
But then I moved into a small town house with a charming little garden… facing north and mostly shaded by a lovely old tree.
It had character, yes. Dappled light, birdsong, and that cool, green calm you only get in the shade of a tree. But full sun? Not so much.
At first, I was discouraged. Would anything edible even grow here?
The answer, I quickly discovered, was a joyful yes.
Because not all plants are sun-worshippers. [really…] Some prefer the cool touch of morning light or the gentle quiet of an east-facing corner. And once I learned who those shady stars were? My garden came to life!
So if your garden space is more “early morning light and dappled afternoons” than “blazing noon sun,” this one’s for you.
Let’s explore some delicious, shade-tolerant herbs, veggies, and fruits that absolutely thrive in soft light.
🌿 Herbs That Love a Bit of Shade
Not all herbs need to bake in the sun to be happy — some of the most fragrant ones prefer it mild and mellow.
Mint — Practically unkillable. It adores partial shade and even spreads happily (so grow it in a pot unless you want it everywhere).
Parsley — Slow and steady, parsley does great in dappled light and stays lush for months.
Cilantro (Coriander) — Sensitive to heat, it bolts quickly in full sun but thrives longer in cooler, shaded corners.
Chives — Easy, elegant, and surprisingly shade-tolerant.
Lemon Balm — A calming, citrus-scented herb that grows beautifully with just a little light.
Thyme — Drought-tolerant once established and it adds that earthy, aromatic magic to everything from roasted veggies to herbal teas.
💡 Tip: Herbs grown in shade tend to be more tender and sometimes even more flavourful — especially in summer when full sun can make them bitter or bolt.
Leafy Greens for the Shady Win
Leafy greens were made for shady gardens. They don’t like to get too hot and dry, and many actually taste better when grown in cooler spots.
Lettuce — All types do great in partial sun, especially in warmer months.
Spinach — Thrives in cooler, shadier areas and gives a steady harvest when kept moist.
Rocket/Arugula — Peppery and perfect for quick salads, this green grows fast and loves the gentle light.
Kale — Yes, even kale! Especially in summer, when some shade keeps it from getting tough.
Swiss Chard — Colourful and resilient, it’s one of the easiest greens to grow in less-than-sunny spots.
🌱 Bonus: These greens often last longer in the shade, especially when temperatures rise. No wilting, no bitterness — just lush leaves ready to pick.
Veggies That Don’t Mind the Cool Side
Some vegetables prefer soft light and steady temperatures. These are your shady superheroes:
Peas — Sweet, crunchy, and surprisingly tolerant of less sun. Bonus: They’re vertical growers — perfect for tight spaces.
Radishes — Quick to grow and happy in dappled light. You’ll have little radishes in just a few weeks.
Beets — The roots need some sun, but they’ll grow with just a few hours. The leafy tops? Totally shade-happy.
Broccoli & Cauliflower — These cooler-weather crops actually preferpartial shade, especially in summer heat.
Tip: Veggies in shadier spots may take a little longer to mature, but they often reward you with sweeter flavour and more tender texture. Just give them a bit of patience and consistent watering — they’ll thrive in their own slow-and-steady way.
Fruits That Can Handle It
Now, let’s be honest — most fruits love sun. But even here, a few gems can surprise you:
Strawberries (Woodland or Alpine varieties) — Naturally grow in forests and LOVE a bit of shade. Perfect for baskets or small planters.
Rhubarb — Technically a veggie, but used like a fruit — and very happy in partial shade.
Currants & Gooseberries — More shade-tolerant than most berries and ideal for cooler climates.
Blueberries — While they love morning sun, they can still do well in partial shade, especially in hot climates. Choose compact or patio varieties, and remember: they prefer acidic soil and a buddy (you’ll need two plants for cross-pollination and better harvests).
Elderberries — Hardy, forgiving, and happy with just 4 hours of sun. They make gorgeous privacy hedges in pots or raised beds and offer both flowers and berries — perfect for syrups, jams, or herbal remedies.
🍓 Note: While fruiting plants generally need more light, many will still produce in 3–4 hours of sun, especially morning light. And … the last two mentioned are perfect for gardeners who want multi-use plants: edible, medicinal, and beautiful in the garden.
So How Much Sun is Enough?
When it comes to shady urban gardens, it’s less about having perfect light, and more about understanding your spacen and choosing plants that will thrive with what you’ve got.
In gardening lingo:
Partial shade usually means 3 to 5 hours of direct sun per day, ideally morning or late afternoon light.
Dappled or filtered light is what you get under a tree canopy or through a balcony railing — soft, moving light that changes throughout the day.
Full shade (as in deep shade cast all day by buildings) is tricky for edibles, but even then, some herbs and leafy greens can still surprise you.
You Don’t Need Full Sun to Grow a Full Plate
The truth is, city gardening often means working with your space, not against it. That shady corner you thought was useless? It might just be the perfect place for a lush patch of greens or an overflowing mint pot.
Gardening is never about having the perfect conditions — it’s about knowing what grows where and letting nature surprise you.
So if you’ve been hesitating because your space doesn’t get “enough” sun, take heart. Your shady patch could be your next favourite harvest spot. 🌿
Not sure how to plan your shady garden? That’s exactly what I teach in Small Space, Big Harvest — including how to choose the right crops for your unique space (yes, even the half-sunny ones).
Come join the growing fun 🌱
With Green Love, Émely