No sun garden, but a shady spot? No problem - these ten vegetables also grow wonderfully in the shade.
Plants need one thing above all: light! Tomato, cucumber or zucchini - these popular garden plants can't get enough light. But what if your own garden is not kissed by the sun? Don't worry, you don't have to do without gardening: With the right choice of plants, even shady gardens can become a real plant paradise. We show you ten vegetables that also thrive in the shade.
You can find more detailed information on the preferences of the following vegetables in the respective specialist articles, which we have already linked for you.
10. Spinach
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is not only delicious, but also very robust: cold and shade are no problem for Popeye's favorite plant. In fact, the opposite is actually the case: If there is too much sun and heat, spinach shoots quickly, bears flowers and begins to taste tart. Therefore, a place in the shade for the green vegetables is definitely a good idea. With a little care and regular watering, the spinach will thrive here without any problems. However, it grows a little slower in the shade than in the sun, but that doesn't detract from its good taste.
9. Kohlrabi
Whether raw, cooked or fried - kohlrabi is and always will be delicious. And the cabbage is also easy to grow: fast-growing and robust, it has won the hearts of many a gardener. If the plant has enough nutrients and water, it will grow perfectly even in the shade. In addition, kohlrabi is also very he althy: With lots of protein, vitamins and minerals, they are an ideal source of nutrients.
8. Radish
If you are looking for a perfect vegetable for gardening beginners, you cannot avoid the radish (Raphanus savitus var. savitus): The small pink tuber is not only easy to draw, but alsovery robust and also grows fast. A partially shaded spot is ideal for the radish, but it also thrives in the shade without any problems. Otherwise, the tuber is one of the undemanding types of vegetables. However, it should be noted that radishes grown in the shade are slightly hotter and more aromatic than their counterparts in partially shaded locations. The reason for this are mustard oils, which collect more in the tuber during slower growth. So if you like a more intense taste, next time you should sow your radishes in the shade.
7. Chard
He althy, delicious and also decorative - Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) with its colorful stalks is a true all-rounder in the bed. And his demands on the location are just as diverse as he is. In fact, Swiss chard grows best in a sunny spot - but that doesn't mean it will die in the shade. Swiss chard also tolerates a shady location surprisingly well. It just needs a little more time in the sun than its peers to mature.
6. Peas
Small, green and round - peas (Pisum sativum) are not only a popular vegetable for children. The pea is also popular with gardeners, after all, the plants are relatively easy to care for and even improve the soil, as they ensure a higher nitrogen content. Peas are also relatively robust: they grow just as well in the sun as in (partial) shade. However, when growing in the shade, care should be taken not to water her too often. After all, not so much water evaporates in the shade and excessive watering can quickly lead to waterlogging, which the pea cannot tolerate.
5. Beetroot
Beetroot (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) should not be missing in any garden, after all it is one of the he althiest vegetables of all. The cultivation of beetroot is also anything but difficult: robust and easy to care for, beetroot is also suitable for beginners. So she has no high demands on her soil or location - she grows both in full sun and in the shade. Planted in spring, beets can be harvested shortly before the first frost and can usually be stored over the winter without any problems.
4. Cauliflower
Cauliflower (Brassica oleracera var. botrytis) is probably one of the most popular types of cabbage, which is mainly due to its good taste, but also owes its diversity in preparation. Cauliflower cultivation is also successful in the garden. The seedlings can be planted in the bed from April to the end of June and are ready for the pot eight to twelve weeks later. Although cauliflower thrives best with plenty of light, it also grows easily (albeit a little more slowly) in the shade. In addition, a place in the shade protects the sensitive white heads of the cauliflower from unsightly sunburn, which can quickly form in strong sunlight.
3. Broccoli
No one else is so closely related to cauliflower - so it's no wonder that broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italic) is also excellent grows in the shade. Easy to care for and robust, the vegetable can be grown in almost any garden. It only needs regular fertilizer and water to grow properly. After seven weeks, the broccoli is ready to be harvested and not only delights our taste buds, but is also very he althy. Learn more about harvesting broccoli in this article.
2. Lettuce
It's the beginner's vegetable par excellence: lettuce is robust, grows quickly and does not require much care. At the same time, nowhere else can you get the green leaves as fresh and crisp as from your own cultivation. Asian and lamb's lettuce in particular, but also arugula and lettuce can be grown in the shade without any problems. Especially in summer, a shady spot for the delicious leafy vegetables is recommended: otherwise, in the hot midday heat, there is a risk that the salad will start to shoot.
1. Brussels sprouts
Good things come to those who wait - growing Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera) is not for the impatient. The seedlings are usually planted in April, but can only be harvested in autumn or even in winter. But if you can be patient, you will be rewarded with delicious florets in the end. In fact, Brussels sprouts can be planted in the shade without hesitation. A place in the shade bringsThere are even advantages in growing Brussels sprouts: the vegetable does not tolerate heat very well and is therefore particularly happy in the summer when it is cool in a shady spot.
Tip: Plantura organic tomato & vegetable soil provides your vegetable plants with optimal nutrients, even in the shade. In addition, it is completely peat-free and sustainably produced.
You want something unusual in your garden? How about one of these weird vegetables?