Think you can’t grow veggies without full sun? Think again! Some of the most useful and delicious daily vegetables actually prefer cooler, shadier spots.
If your garden gets only a few hours of sunlight or you’ve got a shaded balcony or patio, you still have plenty of planting options. These veggies don’t just tolerate low light, they often grow better in it.
Let’s explore 10 easy-to-grow vegetables that can handle less sun and still give you a healthy, homegrown harvest.
#1 Onions
Onions don’t need much direct sunlight to form strong, healthy bulbs. They actually do better when they’re not scorched by the midday sun.
If you’re short on space, tuck them into containers and place them near a bright but shaded window. Water consistently to keep the soil slightly moist. Try using green onion scraps to regrow a new bunch indoors.
#2 Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is colorful, crisp, and surprisingly shade-tolerant. It’s happiest with just a few hours of morning sun and cool afternoon shade.
The vibrant stems and large leaves still grow beautifully without constant sun exposure. Keep the soil well-drained and harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth. It’s a great leafy green for small or shaded gardens.
#3 Garlic
Garlic is low-maintenance and does well even with less than 4 hours of sunlight each day. It thrives in cooler temperatures and doesn’t mind a bit of shade, especially once it’s established.
Plant cloves in loose, well-drained soil and water when the top inch feels dry. You can even sprout garlic indoors in a cup of water for quick green shoots.
#4 Cauliflower
Cauliflower heads are firmer and tighter when they’re grown in partial sun. Too much direct heat can cause them to bolt or turn bitter.
Aim for around 4–6 hours of light, and make sure the soil stays evenly moist. Mulching can help retain cool soil temperatures. For best results, try planting in early spring or late summer.
#5 Cilantro
Cilantro grows fast and tastes best when it’s not under harsh sun all day. Hot, full sun can make it go bitter or flower too soon. A bit of shade helps keep the leaves soft and flavorful.
Water often and trim regularly to delay bolting. You can even grow it in containers on a shaded balcony for easy access while cooking.
#6 Potatoes
Potatoes are pretty forgiving and can still grow well in partial shade. They may take a bit longer to mature, but will produce decent yields even with 4–6 hours of light.
Use large grow bags or deep containers with loose soil. Hill up soil around the base of the plant as it grows to protect the tubers from light and improve the harvest.
#7 Carrots
Carrots don’t need full sun to thrive, just a few hours of gentle sunlight each day. Too much sun can actually cause the tops to grow more than the roots.
Keep the soil loose and stone-free so roots can grow straight and deep. Thin the seedlings early to give each one enough space. Shaded beds can help keep the roots cool and sweet.
#8 Broccoli
Broccoli enjoys partial sun and performs best with 4–6 hours of daily light. Too much sun can lead to quick flowering and poor flavor.
If you plant it where it gets afternoon shade, you’ll get tighter, tastier heads. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. A little mulch around the base helps maintain steady soil temperature.
#9 Radishes
Radishes are fast growers and don’t mind a bit of shade. About 4–6 hours of sun is enough to keep them crisp and tender. In hot, sunny spots, they can get tough or woody.
Keep the soil moist and harvest them early for the best texture. They’re great for tucking into small shady corners or between slower-growing crops.
#10 Spinach
Spinach loves cool weather and shade. Just a few hours of morning sun is enough to keep it growing strong. Too much sun or heat will make it bolt and turn bitter.
Sow seeds thickly, then thin to allow room for each plant. Harvest leaves regularly and keep the soil damp to enjoy multiple pickings throughout the season.
