15 Vegetables That Grow Well In The Shade: Maximize Your Garden’s Potential

Growing vegetables in shady spots can be a challenge for many gardeners. We often think we need full sun to have a thriving vegetable garden.

But that’s not always true. There are actually quite a few veggies that do well with less direct sunlight.

Many leafy greens and root vegetables can grow successfully in partial shade. 

I’ll share 15 vegetables that are good options for shadier areas of the garden. These plants can help you make the most of spaces that don’t get full sun all day long.

With the right veggie choices, even shaded spots can produce a bountiful harvest.

1: Arugula

I find arugula grows well in shady spots. It’s a fast-growing leafy green with a peppery taste. I can plant it in partial shade and still get a good harvest.

Arugula prefers cooler temperatures, so shade helps protect it from summer heat. I like to add it to salads and sandwiches for extra flavor.

2: Spinach

Spinach thrives in shady spots. I’ve found it grows well with just 3-4 hours of sun per day. It prefers cool weather and partial shade.

In my experience, spinach leaves stay tender longer in shadier areas. This extends the harvest season. I like to plant spinach in early spring and again in late summer for fall crops.

3: Kale

Kale is a great choice for shady gardens. I’ve found it grows well with just 3-4 hours of sun per day.

This leafy green is packed with nutrients and adds a nice texture to salads. Kale is also very cold-hardy, so I can grow it into fall and winter in many climates.

4: Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is a great choice for shady gardens. I find it grows well in partial shade and keeps producing new leaves after I harvest.

Its colorful stems and leafy greens look beautiful mixed with flowers. I love how it adds both food and visual interest to my garden.

5: Beet Greens

Beet greens grow well in shady spots. I’ve found they tolerate partial shade and still produce tasty leaves. These greens are packed with nutrients and add a nice flavor to salads.

I like to plant beet greens in areas that get 3-4 hours of sun per day. They don’t need full sun to thrive. The leaves grow quickly, so I can harvest them often.

6: Collard Greens

I’ve found that collard greens are great for shady spots in my garden. They can grow well with just 4-5 hours of sunlight each day.

I like to space my collard plants about 12-24 inches apart. This gives them room to spread out as they grow big leaves.

Collards do best in soil that drains well. I make sure to mix in some compost before planting to give them plenty of nutrients.

7: Bok Choy

I find bok choy to be a great vegetable for shady gardens. It grows well with just 3-6 hours of sunlight per day.

Bok choy prefers cool weather and moist soil. I’ve had success planting it in spring and fall.

The white stem variety called Toy Choi does especially well in shade. I like to use bok choy in stir-fries and soups.

8: Lettuce

Lettuce is a great veggie to grow in shady spots. I find it does well with just a few hours of sun each day.

Many types of lettuce actually prefer cooler temperatures and partial shade. This helps prevent the leaves from getting bitter.

In my experience, loose-leaf and butterhead varieties are best for shady gardens. They’re easy to grow and harvest.

9: Endive

Endive is a leafy green veggie that grows well in shady spots. I find it’s easy to grow and doesn’t need much sun. Endive has a slightly bitter taste that adds zip to salads.

This plant likes cool weather and some shade. I’ve had success growing it in areas that only get 3-4 hours of sun per day. Endive is pretty low-maintenance once it gets going.

10: Mizuna

Mizuna is a great vegetable for shady spots in your garden. I’ve found it grows well with just 3-4 hours of sun per day.

This leafy green has a mild, peppery flavor. It’s easy to grow and can be harvested multiple times.

Mizuna is perfect for salads or stir-fries. I like to plant it in spring and fall for best results.

11: Mustard Greens

Mustard greens are a great choice for shady gardens. I find they grow well with just a few hours of sunlight each day. These leafy greens have a spicy flavor that adds zest to salads and cooked dishes.

12: Watercress

Watercress is a great veggie for shady spots in my garden. It grows well with just a few hours of sun each day.

I love its peppery taste in salads and sandwiches. Watercress also packs a nutritional punch with lots of vitamins.

To grow watercress, I make sure the soil stays moist. It does best near a water source or in partial shade.

13: Radicchio

Radicchio is a leafy vegetable that can grow in shady spots. I’ve found it adapts well to different soil types.

It prefers full sun but can handle some shade, especially in hot summers. Radicchio likes moist soil with good drainage.

The ideal pH for radicchio is between 7.5 and 8.0. I recommend adding compost to your soil before planting to improve drainage and nutrients.

14: Turnip Greens

Turnip greens are a great choice for shady gardens. I’ve found they grow well in partial shade, needing about 4-6 hours of sunlight daily.

These leafy vegetables are packed with nutrients and have a slightly bitter taste. I like to harvest the young leaves for salads or cook the mature ones.

Turnip greens are easy to grow and can be planted in spring or fall. They prefer cool weather and moist, well-drained soil.

15: Sorrel

Sorrel is a great vegetable for shady spots. I find it grows well with just 3-4 hours of sun per day. Its tangy, lemony leaves add a nice zip to salads and sauces.

Sorrel is easy to care for and comes back year after year in many climates. I like to harvest the young leaves for the best flavor.