Vegetables for the shade: our top 10 overview

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No sun garden, but a shady spot? No problem - these ten types of vegetables also grow in the shade Marvelous.

Swiss chard in the bed
Plants like Swiss chard grow well in the shade of trees and buildings [Photo: TangledNonsensePhoto/ Shutterstock.com]

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 types of vegetables that also thrive in the shade.

"Contents"

  • 10. spinach
  • 9. Kohlrabi
  • 8. radish
  • 7. chard
  • 6. peas
  • 5. Beetroot
  • 4. cauliflower
  • 3. broccoli
  • 2. salad
  • 1. Brussels sprouts

More detailed information on the preferences of the following vegetables can be found 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, which in no way affects its good taste.

Spinach in the garden
Cold and shade are no problem for spinach [Photo: Milosz_G/ Shutterstock.com]

9. Kohlrabi

Whether raw, boiled 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 healthy: with lots of protein, vitamins and minerals, they are an ideal source of nutrients.

Kohlrabi in the garden
The kohlrabi grows perfectly even with little sun [Photo: giedre vaitekune/ Shutterstock.com]

8. radish

If you are looking for a perfect vegetable for gardening beginners, come to radish (Raphanus savitus var. savitus) not over: The small pink tuber is not only easy to grow, but also very robust and also grows quickly. 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, you should sow your radishes in the shade next time.

Radishes on soil in the garden
Radishes from the shade have a more intense flavor [Photo: Nils Z/ Shutterstock.com]

7. chard

Healthy, tasty and also decorative – chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) is a true all-rounder in the bed with its colorful stems. 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 dies in the shade. Swiss chard also tolerates a shady location surprisingly well. It just needs a little more time than its peers in the sun to get ready to harvest.

Swiss chard cultivation
The chard is a true all-rounder in the bed

6. peas

Small, green and round – peas (Pisum sativum) are a popular vegetable not only 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.

Peas in the garden
Peas can be grown in sun and (partial) shade [Photo: Zakhar Mar/ Shutterstock.com]

5. Beetroot

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) should not be missing in any garden, after all it is one of the healthiest vegetables of all. Also the Cultivation of beetroot is anything but heavy: Robust and easy to care for, beetroot is also suitable for beginners. She doesn't have high demands on her soil or location either - she grows in full sun as well as 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.

Beetroot in the garden
The beetroot does not have high demands on its location [Photo: CLICKMANI/ Shutterstock.com]

4. cauliflower

the 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 to its versatility in preparation. It works in the garden too Cauliflower Cultivation. 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 form quickly in strong sunlight.

Cauliflower in the garden
A shady spot can protect the cauliflower from unsightly sunburn [Photo: GOLFX/ Shutterstock.com]

3. broccoli

No one else is so closely related to the cauliflower - so it's no wonder that either broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italian) grows excellently 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 healthy. More to Harvest of broccoli find out in this article.

Young broccoli
Broccoli can be grown in almost any garden [Photo: Denis Pogostin/ Shutterstock.com]

2. salad

It is 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. Especially Asian and lamb's lettuce, but also arugula and lettuce can be easily grown in the shade. 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.

Lettuce in the garden
A shady spot is recommended for the salad, especially in summer [Photo: asharkyu/ Shutterstock.com]

1. Brussels sprouts

Good things come to those who wait - the cultivation of Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemifera) 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 even has advantages when growing Brussels sprouts: the vegetable does not tolerate heat very well and is therefore particularly happy about the coolness of a shady place in summer.

Brussels sprouts in the garden
Brussels sprouts do not tolerate heat very well [Photo: Dagmar Breu/ Shutterstock.com]

Tip: the Plantura organic tomato & vegetable soil optimally supplies your vegetable plants with nutrients, even in the shade. In addition, it is completely peat-free and sustainably produced.

Do you want something unusual in your garden? How about one of these strange vegetables?