19 Vegetables That Grow in Shade With Limited Sunlight

Vegetables that grow in shade are a key part of any sustainable garden, allowing us to harvest fresh organic produce even where sunlight is limited.

Whether you have dappled shade from trees, a north-facing yard, or just a few hours of the afternoon sun, numerous leafy greens, root crops, and herbs thrive with less exposure.

In this guide, we’ll cover some shade-loving vegetables you can grow, from bush beans and Swiss chard to bok choi and Brussels sprouts. We’ll discuss everything from maturity times to sun requirements, helping you choose the best shade crops for your garden and maximize your harvest all year round!

Vegetables That Grow in Shade With Little Maintenance

1. Lettuce

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a leafy green shade vegetable. It thrives in partial shade gardens. The three main types of lettuce, romaine, butterhead, and looseleaf, all tolerate dappled shade well. Romaine lettuce features tall upright leaves forming loose heads. Butterhead lettuce has soft, loose heads of broad leaves that form a loose rosette. 

Looseleaf lettuce types have smooth or frilly loose leaves. Lettuce prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil and needs regular watering to avoid bitterness. The ideal soil pH for growing lettuce ranges from six to eight. Amending soil with compost before planting will help retain moisture and provide nutrients. Aphids and slugs are common pests of lettuce that growers must monitor for and control using predator insects or organic sprays. 

Diatomaceous earth can be applied as a natural pesticide to reduce aphid populations, while beer traps can lure slugs for removal. With proper care and pest management, lettuce grown in the shade can provide a bountiful harvest throughout the growing season.

2. Spinach

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a well-known leafy green vegetable that grows well in partial shade gardens. Spinach has several varieties: savoy spinach with crinkled leaves, semi-savoy with somewhat crinkled leaves, and flat-leaf spinach. Savoy and semi-savoy spinach varieties tend to tolerate shade better than flat-leaf types. Spinach loves cool growing conditions and consistent soil moisture. 

The ideal temperature range for spinach growth is between 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers humus-rich, well-draining soil that is amended with compost before planting. Spinach can be planted in early spring once the danger of frosts has passed and again in late summer for a fall crop. 

Regular fertilizing using fish emulsion or compost tea can help boost spinach growth and yield. Spider mites and flea beetles are the main pests to monitor when growing shade spinach. Spider mites will leave stippling on leaves while flea beetles chew tiny holes. Regular scouting and taking action at the first signs of pests will help keep spinach crops productive when grown in partial shade.

3. Arugula

Arugula, which is known as rocket salad or roquette in some places, thrives in shaded gardens. It grows best when temperatures range between 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, conditions often found in cool spring and fall weather with afternoon shade. Arugula grows quickly, maturing in 35 to 55 days from seeding. 

This vegetable grows a rosette of leaves and has a distinctive peppery taste due to mustard oil compounds in its leaves. Arugula prefers humus-rich, well-draining soil that is amended with compost and adequate moisture to avoid bitterness. Too much or too little water can cause arugula leaves to take on a strong, bitter flavor. 

Arugula leaves are oblong with toothed edges and have a peppery flavor when raw. The two main pests of arugula are aphids and flea beetles, which leave small holes in the foliage. Aphids cluster on the undersides of leaves, while flea beetles chew tiny holes that give leaves a stippling appearance. Natural pest controls like neem oil spray and the introduction of beneficial insects can help manage pests for arugula grown in partial shade.

4. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is an easy-to-grow leafy green vegetable that tolerates partial shade very well. Its tolerance for cooler temperatures makes it an ideal shade vegetable for the shoulder seasons. Swiss chard grows quickly, maturing in around 55 days from seed. It grows during the shoulder seasons of spring, fall, and even mild winters when temperatures range from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Swiss chard has broad, flat, and heavily-ribbed leaves ranging from green to brightly colored red, yellow, and orange varieties. The edible leaves and leaf stalks provide good vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Swiss chard thrives in nutrient-rich, moist soil that is amended with compost before planting. Consistent soil moisture is key, especially during warmer summer months. 

The main pests to watch for are leaf miners that tunnel inside the leaves, leaving white trails and stunting growth. Aphids also cluster on the underside of leaves, sucking plant juices and spreading diseases. Regular inspections and removing infected leaves are the first lines of defense against pests for Swiss chard grown in partial shade.

5. Kale

Kale grows well in partial shade, especially the frilly shapes like red Russian and dinosaur kale. These varieties tolerate shade better than more traditional green, curly kale. It thrives in spring and fall when temperatures range from 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and there is afternoon shade. Kale prefers nutrient-rich, slightly alkaline soil around pH six to seven created by adding lime and fertilizer before planting. 

The lime helps boost calcium levels, which kale needs for healthy growth and flavor development. Kale leaves come in colors from green to purple and have curly, blistered, or puffy, heavily-ribbed textures. Kale is very rich in nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K and antioxidants.

The most common kale pests include cabbage worms, the green caterpillars of white butterflies, and aphids that cluster on new growth and leaf undersides, sucking plant juices. Taking action when pests are first spotted can include handpicking worms and spraying neem oil to control aphids. With proper care, fertilizing, and pest management, kale grown in partial shade can produce an abundant harvest well into fall.

6. Cabbage

Cabbage is an easy-to-grow vegetable that does well in partial shade, especially in spring and fall when temperatures range from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The tighter leaf shape of cabbage helps it tolerate some shade compared to looseleaf greens. Cabbage has two types of leaves: thick outer leaves for protection and softer inner leaves that we eat. 

The edible head is made up of these tightly wrapped inner leaves. Cabbage grows best in nutrient-rich soil with consistent moisture and a slightly acidic pH between six and seven created by adding compost and lime. Regular fertilizing throughout the growing season using organic fertilizers helps produce larger heads. The most common cabbage pests are cabbage loopers, the green caterpillars of white moths, and aphids. 

Cabbage loopers chew irregular holes in leaves, while aphids cluster on new growth and spread diseases. Slugs can also chew large holes in cabbage leaves at night, especially after it rains. Regular pest scouting and taking action when pests are spotted with organic sprays or physical removal will help keep cabbage crops productive when grown in partial shade.

7. Bok Choi

Bok choi, also spelled bok choy, is a type of Chinese cabbage that thrives in partial shade. Its tightly clustered leaves help it tolerate dappled light conditions better than loose leafy greens. It grows best in spring, summer, and fall when daytime high temperatures remain below 80 degrees Fahrenheit and there is afternoon shade. 

Bok choi has flat, oblong leaves with thick, crunchy, light green stalks that become sweeter after a light frost. Varieties range from miniature to large plants with stalks up to 12 inches long. It prefers a nutrient-rich, alkaline soil around pH 7 created by adding lime to the soil before planting. This helps boost calcium levels which bok choi needs for optimal growth. 

The two main pests for bok choi are flea beetles, which leave small round holes in leaves as they feed, and aphids, which suck plant juices from the underside of leaves. Natural pest control methods like spraying neem oil or introducing ladybugs can help manage these pests when growing bok choi in partial shade. With proper care and pest management, bok choi grown in the shade can produce a bountiful harvest.

8. Celery

Celery is a shade-tolerant vegetable that grows best in spring and fall when temperatures range from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The feather-like foliage and compact rosette shape help celery tolerate some shade. Celery has slender, hollow stalks that we eat and leaf stalks with foliage at the top.

It prefers constant moisture and rich, fertile soil that is loose with high organic matter content created by adding plenty of compost before planting. This helps celery grow its long stems and crisp texture. 

Regular fertilizing using fish emulsion or compost tea throughout the growing season also boosts celery growth. The main celery pests are aphids, which cluster on new foliage and flower stalks, sucking plant juices, and fungus gnats, whose larvae feed on the roots, stunting plant growth and weakening stalks. 

Proper irrigation to avoid extremes of wet or dry soil and crop rotation to avoid building up pests in the soil can help control these insect issues for celery grown in partial shade. Vertical structures like carefully woven cages can also provide support while allowing light penetration to promote the growth of partially shaded celery crops.

9. Beets

Beets grow well in partial shade and tolerate dappled light very well due to their compact shape and thick leaves. This vegetable thrives in spring, summer, or fall when the soil temperatures range from 45 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Beet leaves are broad and ovate to oblong in shape, while the edible bulbs are round. Thinning beets three to six inches apart, when seedlings have four to six true leaves, helps the remaining beets develop full size. 

Beets prefer loose, loamy, and organic-rich soil with a pH between six and seven created by adding compost before planting. Consistent soil moisture is needed during the growing period to keep beet foliage erect and allow the roots to swell to full size.

The two main pests of beets are beet leafminers, whose larvae tunnel inside leaves and leave white trails, causing leaf damage and yellowing, and flea beetles, which chew small round holes in leaves in large numbers that can destroy foliage. 

Natural pest controls like spraying neem oil, encouraging beneficial insects, and crop rotation can help manage these common beet pests. When grown with proper spacing, soil preparation, and pest management, beets in partial shade can produce attractive foliage and sizable globe-shaped roots.

10. Carrots

Carrots grow best in full sun, but some varieties tolerate partial shade, especially in spring when daytime temperatures remain below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Carrots planted in early spring have time to bulk up before the summer heat. Carrots have feathery green tops and long, slender edible roots in colors from orange to purple and white. 

Carrots prefer loose, sandy soil low in clay and organic matter-rich, created by adding several inches of compost before planting. This helps carrots develop long, straight roots with a crisp texture. Carrots also require consistent soil moisture maintained through drip irrigation and regular weeding to remove competing weeds. 

The main pests that infect carrots are the carrot rust fly, which lays eggs that hatch into maggots that tunnel within carrot roots, causing rotting and deformities, and the carrot weevil, whose cream-colored larvae also feed within carrot roots. 

Applying row covers at planting and regularly checking carrot roots for damage can help detect and manage infestations of these carrot pests when the crops are grown in partial shade. With proper care, many carrot varieties can yield a bountiful harvest even when grown in limited sunlight.

11. Endive

Endive is a leafy green vegetable that grows well in shady areas with only a few hours of direct sunlight, especially in spring and fall when temperatures range from 50 to 70 Fahrenheit. Endive leaves are wavy, lobed, and frilly or curly in shape with a distinctive slightly bitter taste. The vegetable prefers loose, fertile soil rich in organic matter and with consistent moisture maintained through drip irrigation.

A soil pH between six and seven created by adding lime and compost helps boost endive growth. Endive grows in a loose rosette form, and the inner leaves become increasingly yellow and bitter-tasting as it matures if not harvested regularly. Harvesting the outer leaves every three to four weeks helps keep endive growing continuously throughout the spring and fall. 

The two main pests of endive are aphids, which suck plant juices from the undersides of leaves, and leaf miners, whose larvae tunnel between the upper and lower surfaces of leaves, damaging tissue and stunting plant growth. Regular inspection of foliage for signs of pests combined with organic controls that include neem oil spray and releasing ladybugs as predators can help manage these insects when growing endive in shaded gardens.

12. Bush Beans

Bush beans grow well in partial shade from trees and structures and do not require a trellis for support. Their compact shape allows bush beans to tolerate some dappled light. They are planted in summer when soils have warmed and produce beans throughout the warm season until the first frost. Bush bean varieties include green, yellow, and purple podded types. 

Bush beans have compound leaves of three leaflets and pods that grow directly from the base. They prefer loose, loamy soil rich in organic matter with regular watering and a slightly acidic pH between six and seven created by adding compost and lime. Staking or caging bush beans provides stability, improves air circulation to reduce disease, and makes harvesting easier. 

The main pests of bush beans are Mexican bean beetles, which chew jagged holes in leaves and pods, reducing photosynthesis and yield, and aphids, which cluster on new growth and suck plant juices, spreading viruses. Regular inspection of plants for signs of damage from these bean pests combined with organic treatments like spraying neem oil and releasing ladybugs as predators can help manage pests for bush beans grown in partial shade.

13. Broccoli

Broccoli grows well in partial sun and tolerates light shade from trees and buildings, especially in spring and fall when temperatures range from 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The clustered leaf shape of broccoli helps it adapt to some shade. Broccoli has compound leaves composed of leaflets and large clusters of green or purple florets atop thick stalks. 

It prefers nutrient-rich soil with consistent moisture maintained through drip irrigation and a slightly acidic pH between six and seven created by adding compost and lime. Broccoli needs regular watering, especially during the head formation stage, to produce sizable heads up to 12 inches in diameter before flowering. 

The most common broccoli pests are cabbage loopers, which are the green caterpillars of white moths and feed on leaves and florets, as well as aphids which cluster on tender new growth and leaf undersides, sucking sap and spreading viruses. Regular inspection of plants for pest damage combined with organic pest controls like spraying BT for caterpillars and neem oil for aphids can help keep broccoli crops productive when grown with afternoon shade.

14. Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts thrive in partial shade from trees and buildings, especially during fall harvest when afternoon temperatures cool off. The tightly clustered leaf shape of Brussels sprouts helps them tolerate some shade. The edible sprouts grow along a tall central stalk up to three feet tall with oblong leaves with toothed edges. 

Brussels sprouts prefer nutrient-rich soil with consistent moisture maintained through drip irrigation and a slightly acidic pH between six and seven created by adding compost and lime. Staking or caging the tall Brussels sprout stalk provides stability, keeps leaves off the ground, and improves airflow to reduce disease. Regular fertilizing throughout the season using fish emulsion or compost tea boosts sprout size and number. 

The main insect pests of Brussels sprouts are cabbage root flies, whose larvae chew roots and stunt growth, and aphids which cluster on leaves and sprouts, sucking juices and spreading viruses. Regular plant inspection combined with organic pest controls like spraying neem oil and releasing predatory wasps can help manage insect damage for Brussels sprouts grown in partial shade.

15. Peas

Peas grow well in partial shade, especially in spring when temperatures range from 40 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The alternate leaf arrangement of pea plants helps them adapt to dappled light conditions. Pea plants have compound leaves of three leaflets and climbing vines that require a trellis, stakes, or a cage for support. Peas prefer loose, fertile soil rich in organic matter and consistent moisture maintained through drip irrigation. 

Adding compost creates a slightly acidic pH between six and seven, which helps boost pea growth. Regular watering is important during flowering and pod formation to avoid pea pods drying out and falling off prematurely. The main pests of peas are aphids, which cluster on new growth and leaves, sucking plant juices, and pea weevils, whose larvae feed within pea pods, damaging developing peas and causing rot. 

Regular inspection of pea plants combined with organic controls like spraying neem oil and releasing beneficial insects can help manage these insect pests for peas grown in partial shade. With proper care and pest management, pea plants grown in the shade can produce an abundant harvest of sweet, ripe peas.

16. Radishes

Radishes grow well in partial shade from trees and buildings, especially during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall when temperatures range from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They have smooth oblong leaves and cylindrical or rounded edible roots in colors from red to purple and white. When seedlings have two true leaves, regular thinning to two to three inches apart helps the remaining radishes develop to become large. 

Radishes prefer loose, loamy soil rich in organic matter created by adding compost before planting and a consistent soil moisture level maintained through regular irrigation. Radish roots require regular watering for the best harvest, especially three to four weeks after seeding as they begin to enlarge. 

The main radish pests are flea beetles, which leave small round holes in leaves as they chew, and aphids which cluster on foliage and suck plant juices. Regular inspection of radish plants for signs of pests combined with organic controls, including spraying neem oil and introducing beneficial insects, can help manage insect damage when radishes are grown with afternoon shade.

17. Leeks

Leeks grow well in partial shade from trees and buildings, especially during spring and fall when temperatures range from 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The long, upright shape of leeks allows them to tolerate some dappled light conditions. Leeks have tall, fleshy stalks that we eat and grass-like leaves. They prefer rich, loose soil with high organic matter content created by adding compost before planting and consistent moisture maintained through regular irrigation. 

Leeks need regular fertilizing throughout their growth to produce long, thick stalks with a mild onion flavor. Regular applications of compost tea or fish emulsion help boost leek growth. The main insect pests that attack leeks are thrips which feed on leaves, leaving tiny brown lines as they suck plant juices, and onion maggots, whose larvae tunnel into the bulbs and leaves of leeks, causing rotting and deformities. 

Regular inspection of leeks for signs of pests combined with organic pest controls, including spraying neem oil and introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs, can help manage insect damage for leeks grown in partial shade.

18. Green Onions

Green onions, also known as scallions, grow well in partial shade from trees and buildings especially in the season of spring, summer, and fall seasons when temperatures range from 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The slender shape of green onions allows them to tolerate some dappled light conditions. Green onions have tubular hollow green stalks that we eat with small roots. 

They prefer fertile, moist soil rich in organic matter created by adding compost before planting. Green onions require regular watering and applications of liquid fertilizer or compost tea to grow quickly and produce thick, tender stalks. Regular fertilizing at two to three weeks throughout the growing season helps boost yields. 

The main pests that attack green onions are thrips, which leave tiny brown lines on leaves as they feed, disrupting photosynthesis, and onion maggots, whose larvae tunnel into bulbs and leaves of green onions, causing rotting and stunting growth. Regular inspection of plants combined with organic pest controls like spraying neem oil can help manage these common insect pests for green onions grown with afternoon shade.

19. Parsley

Parsley grows well in partial shade from trees and buildings, especially in spring and fall when temperatures range from 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The alternate leaf arrangement of parsley helps it tolerate dappled light. It has compound leaves with serrated lobes and a distinctive herbal flavor. 

Parsley prefers fertile, moist soil rich in organic matter created by adding compost before planting, with a pH between six and seven. The plant requires frequent watering to prevent wilting and bolting, especially during warm weather. Regular applications of liquid organic fertilizers help boost parsley growth and flavor.

The main pests that attack parsley are leaf miner flies, whose larvae tunnel into leaves, leaving white trails and damaging tissue, and aphids that cluster on the leaves’ underside and suck plant juices. 

Regular inspection of parsley plants and organic controls like spraying neem oil can help manage these common insect pests. When grown with proper care and pest management, parsley plants grown with partial shade can provide an abundant harvest of fresh, flavorful leaves throughout the spring and fall.

Conclusion

There are many nutritious vegetables that you can grow successfully in shady spots, even with limited sunlight, and here are some of our favorites:

• Lettuce is a leafy green, shade vegetable that thrives in dappled shade and cool temperatures.

• Green onions, also known as scallions, grow well in partial shade from trees and buildings during the spring, summer, and fall seasons.

• Oregano tolerates light shade and does not require as much direct sunlight as most other plants.

• Brussels sprouts generate edible sprouts and stalks in partial shade. This vegetable is perfect for salads.

With the right shade-tolerant crop selection and some gardening knowledge, you can still harvest delicious, healthy vegetables even in spots that receive only a few hours of direct light each day. Give some shade vegetables a try — you may be surprised by how much your garden can produce, even in limited sunlight!