20 Vegetables That Grow In Shade: Shade-Tolerant Vegetables

Updated: May 31, 2023

This post is all about vegetables growing in shade.

Gardening is a wonderful hobby, but it can be challenging for those with shaded gardens or limited sunlight. However, it's important to note that not all vegetables require full sun to thrive.

In fact, there are many delicious and nutritious vegetables that can be grown in the shade. This is great news for gardeners who have limited sunlight but still want to enjoy the benefits of fresh, home-grown produce.

In this article, we will explore some of the best vegetables that grow in shade and provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your shaded garden. From leafy greens to root vegetables, we'll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your shady space.

20 Vegetables That Grow In Shade

1. Leeks

Leeks are a cool weather crop that can be grown in partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and consistent moisture. Leeks can be planted as seedlings or from seed and should be harvested when the bulbs are still small and tender.

2. Lettuce

Lettuce is a great option for shaded gardens because it prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate partial shade.

There are many different varieties of lettuce, including butterhead, romaine, and leaf lettuce, which can all be grown in shade. For best results, plant lettuce in rich, well-drained soil and keep it consistently moist.

3. Spinach

Spinach is another leafy green that is well-suited to shaded gardens. It prefers cool temperatures and can tolerate partial shade.

Spinach can be planted as seedlings or from seeds, and it prefers well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and be sure to harvest the leaves before they become tough.

4. Arugula

Arugula is a spicy, flavorful green that is perfect for adding a kick to salads and sandwiches. It can be grown in partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.

Arugula is a cool weather crop, so it's best planted in the spring or fall. Be sure to harvest the leaves before they become too bitter.

5. Radishes

Radishes are a great option for shaded gardens because they are a quick-maturing crop. They can be planted in partial shade and prefer well-drained soil.

Radishes are best planted as seedlings, and they should be harvested when they are still small and tender.

6. Beets

Beets are a versatile root vegetable that can be grown in partial shade. They prefer well-drained soil and consistent moisture.

Beets can be planted as seedlings or from seed, and they should be harvested when they are still small and tender.

7. Carrots

Carrots are another root vegetable that can be grown in partial shade. They prefer well-drained soil and consistent moisture.

Carrots can be planted from seed and should be harvested when they are small and tender.

8. Turnips

Turnips are a delicious root vegetable that can be grown in partial shade. They prefer well-drained soil and consistent moisture.

Turnips can be planted from seed and should be harvested when they are small and tender.

9. Collard greens

Collard greens are a hardy green that can tolerate partial shade and cooler temperatures. They prefer well-drained soil and consistent moisture.

Collard greens can be planted as seedlings or from seed, and they should be harvested when the leaves are still young and tender.

10. Kale

Kale is a nutrient-dense green that can be grown in partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and consistent moisture.

Kale can be planted as seedlings or from seed and should be harvested when the leaves are still young and tender.

11. Mustard greens

Mustard greens are a flavorful green that can be grown in partial shade. They prefer well-drained soil and consistent moisture.

Mustard greens can be planted as seedlings or from seed, and they should be harvested when the leaves are still young and tender.

12. Swiss chard

Swiss chard is a versatile green that can be grown in partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and consistent moisture.

Swiss chard can be planted as seedlings or from seed and should be harvested when the leaves are still young and tender.

13. Parsley

Parsley is a flavorful herb that can be grown in partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and consistent moisture.

Parsley can be planted as seedlings or from seed, and it should be harvested when the leaves are still young and tender.

14. Cabbage

Cabbage is a cool weather crop that can be grown in partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and consistent moisture.

Cabbage can be planted as seedlings or from seed, and it should be harvested when the heads are still small and firm.

15. Broccoli

Broccoli is a cool weather crop that can be grown in partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and consistent moisture.

Broccoli can be planted as seedlings or from seed, and it should be harvested when the heads are still small and firm.

16. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a cool weather crop that can be grown in partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and consistent moisture.

Cauliflower can be planted as seedlings or from seed, and it should be harvested when the heads are still small and firm.

17. Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a cool weather crop that can be grown in partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and consistent moisture.

Brussels sprouts can be planted as seedlings or from seed, and they should be harvested when the sprouts are still small and firm.

18. Scallions

Scallions, also known as green onions or spring onions, are a cool weather crop that can be grown in partial shade.

They are a member of the onion family and have a milder flavor than regular onions. They are often used as a garnish or added to dishes for a burst of flavor.

19. Onions

Onions are a cool weather crop that can be grown in partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and consistent moisture.

Onions can be planted as seedlings or from seed, and they should be harvested when the bulbs are still small and tender.

20. Garlic

Garlic is a cool weather crop that can be grown in partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and consistent moisture.

Garlic can be planted as cloves and should be harvested when the bulbs are still small and firm.

Summary

Growing vegetables in the shade may seem like a challenge, but as you can see, there are plenty of options available. With a little bit of planning, you can grow a variety of delicious and nutritious vegetables in your shaded garden.

Lettuce, spinach, arugula, radishes, beets, carrots, turnips, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, Swiss chard, parsley, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, leeks, onions, garlic, and scallions are all great options that can be grown in partial shade.

Keep in mind that these vegetables prefer well-drained soil and consistent moisture. With the right care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, healthy produce even in a shaded space.