12 Beginner Friendly Vegetables That Grow in the Shade

Before we dig in (pun intended), let’s talk about how much light your garden actually gets. You might be surprised: a “shady” garden often has pockets of sun that make a huge difference. Morning sun with afternoon shade often creates ideal conditions for tender crops. Here’s my simple guide, based on decades of trial-and-error: 

• Full sun: 6–8 hours or more of direct sunlight per day (your tomatoes will throw a tantrum if they don’t get this)
• Partial sun: 3–6 hours of sunlight daily (enough to make veggies smile)
• Partial shade: Around 3 hours of direct sun, plus filtered light — perfect for many leafy greens.
• Light/dappled shade: Sunlight filtered through tree leaves — my favorite, especially for tender lettuces.
• Full shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight — honestly, I wouldn’t bother with vegetables here unless you like the challenge.

12 Shade-Tolerant Vegetables

Once you’ve assessed your garden’s light, you’re ready to plant! Below are 12 shade-tolerant vegetables perfect for beginners.

(Each of these has been tested in my garden and at farmers’ markets. You’ll notice that I often recommend specific cultivars, like ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ lettuce or ‘Bloomsdale Long Standing’ spinach. Over the years, I’ve found that some varieties handle shade better than others, and naming them gives you a head start — no guesswork, no disappointment. If you can’t find the exact variety, choose a slow-bolting or shade-tolerant version instead.)

1. Leaf Lettuce (‘Black Seeded Simpson’)

I grow this lettuce every spring, and it’s my go-to for shady patches. It grows quickly and can be harvested leaf by leaf for continuous salads. See the Lettuce Growing Guide.

• Growing Tips: Sow directly in spring or late summer. Keep the soil moist and cool.
• Shade type: Partial to dappled shade
• Sun required: 3–4 hours daily
• Spacing: 8–10 inches apart
• Zones: 3–10
• Mature size: 6–8 inches tall

2. Spinach (‘Bloomsdale Long Standing’)

Spinach is a personal favorite. So nutritious! This veggie prefers cooler, partially shaded areas. Shade helps prevent bolting and keeps leaves sweet and tender. See the Spinach Growing Guide .

• Growing Tips: Sow early in spring or fall; harvest outer leaves first for continual growth.
• Shade type: Partial shade
• Sun required: 3–5 hours daily
• Spacing: 4–6 inches apart
• Zones: 4–9
• Mature size: 6–10 inches tall

3. Kale (‘Lacinato’ or ‘Dinosaur Kale’)

Kale laughs in the shade. It’s one of the toughest leafy greens and grows well even in light shade. Shade can mellow its flavor and extend its harvest period. See the Kale Growing Guide.

• Growing Tips: Plant in spring or fall; harvest outer leaves regularly.
• Shade type: Partial to dappled shade
• Sun required: 4–5 hours daily
• Spacing: 12–18 inches apart
• Zones: 4–9
• Mature size: 18–24 inches tall

4. Arugula (‘Rocket Salad’)

This peppery green loves cool weather and partial shade. Too much sun makes it bitter — I learned this the hard way when a batch bolted after a hot spell. Sow seeds every few weeks for a steady supply. See the Arugula Growing Guide.

• Growing Tips: Sow seeds every few weeks for a steady supply.
• Shade type: Partial shade
• Sun required: 3–4 hours daily
• Spacing: 6 inches apart
• Zones: 3–9
• Mature size: 6–12 inches tall

5. Swiss Chard (‘Bright Lights’)

Chard’s rainbow stems add brightness to shady corners. It’s forgiving, resilient, and continues to produce throughout summer and fall.  I often harvest this colorful veggie for market bouquets as well as the kitchen. See the Swiss Chard Growing Guide.

• Growing Tips: Harvest outer leaves to encourage continuous growth.
• Shade type: Partial to light shade
• Sun required: 4–5 hours daily
• Spacing: 10–12 inches apart
• Zones: 3–10
• Mature size: 18–24 inches tall

6. Beets (‘Detroit Dark Red’)

Beets perform well with as little as 4 hours of sunlight. Shade keeps roots tender and prevents tops from scorching. See the Beet Growing Guide.

• Growing Tips: Sow directly in loose soil; thin seedlings early.
• Shade type: Partial shade
• Sun required: 4–5 hours daily
• Spacing: 3 inches apart
• Zones: 3–10
• Mature size: Roots 2–3 inches wide, tops 12 inches tall

7. Carrots (‘Nantes Half Long’)

Carrots don’t mind partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Shade helps prevent cracked roots and bitterness. See the Carrots Growing Guide.

• Growing Tips: Keep soil evenly moist; avoid rocky soil.
• Shade type: Partial shade
• Sun required: 4–5 hours daily
• Spacing: 2–3 inches apart
• Zones: 3–9
• Mature size: 6–8 inches long roots

8. Radishes (‘Cherry Belle’)

One of the quickest-growing veggies, radishes thrive in spring and fall shade. They’re perfect for beginners with limited sun. See the Radish Growing Guide.

• Growing Tips: Sow every two weeks for continual harvests.
• Shade type: Partial to dappled shade
• Sun required: 3–4 hours daily
• Spacing: 1 inch apart
• Zones: 2–10
• Mature size: 1-inch roots, 6-inch tops

9. Broccoli (‘De Cicco’)

A cool-season favorite, broccoli appreciates partial shade, especially during hot spells. It may mature slower in shade, but flavor improves. See the Broccoli Growing Guide. 

• Growing Tips: Fertilize lightly and keep soil evenly moist.
• Shade type: Partial shade
• Sun required: 4–6 hours daily
• Spacing: 18–24 inches apart
• Zones: 3–10
• Mature size: 18–24 inches tall

10. Cabbage (‘Golden Acre’)

Cabbage is happy with less sun, producing tight, sweet heads in cooler, shaded gardens. See the Cabbage Growing Guide.

• Growing Tips: Water regularly and protect from pests like cabbage worms.
• Shade type: Partial shade
• Sun required: 3–5 hours daily
• Spacing: 18–24 inches apart
• Zones: 3–9
• Mature size: 12–18 inches heads

11. Peas (‘Little Marvel’)

I call garden-fresh peas “nature’s candy” because they taste incredible off the vine before they turn to starch. The old adage is to plant peas around St. Patrick’s Day, even in snow, so don’t forget to get these cool-weather veggies in the ground!  Shade helps extend their season before summer heat sets in.

• Growing Tips: Provide a short trellis or stakes for support.
• Shade type: Partial shade
• Sun required: 4–5 hours daily
• Spacing: 2 inches apart
• Zones: 3–9
• Mature size: 18–24 inches tall

12. Turnips (‘Hakurei’ or ‘Purple Top White Globe’)

Turnips are one of the easiest root vegetables to grow in partial shade. Both their crisp roots and tender greens are edible, making them a double-duty crop for small gardens.

• Growing Tips: Sow directly in early spring or late summer for fall harvests. Keep soil moist and harvest young for the sweetest flavor.
• Shade type: Partial shade
• Sun required: 3–5 hours daily
• Spacing: 3–4 inches apart
• Zones: 3–9
• Mature size: Roots 2–3 inches wide; tops 12 inches tall

Bonus Shade-Tolerant Crops

Once you’ve mastered these 12, try expanding into partial-shade favorites like kohlrabi, parsley, cilantro, celery, and rhubarb. These thrive with similar light levels and add more variety to your garden.

Expert Guide: Shade-Tolerant Vegetables and Growing Needs

If you’re a planner like me, here’s a handy table with more expert-recommended vegetables that handle low light beautifully. It’s perfect for charting out your shady garden beds — trust me, you’ll want this for reference.

What NOT to Grow in Shade

Heat-loving crops such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash, and melons simply won’t grow without full sun. They need hot, sunny days in order to produce bountiful fruit.

Most fruit trees need LOTS of sun. Citrus, peach, nectarine, apple, and apricot trees all need direct sun and won’t thrive in the shade.

5 Smart Tips for Growing Vegetables in Shade

From my years of trial, error, and the occasional surprise harvest, here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Start Seeds in the Sunniest Spots
   Even shade-loving vegetables benefit from a sunny start. I usually start my seedlings in a bright spot or under grow lights so they develop strong stems. Once they’re sturdy, I move them into their shadier home — it’s like sending them off to college!
2. Warm the Soil Early and Extend the Season
   Shady corners stay cold longer in spring and cool down quickly in fall. Cold frames, row covers, or dark mulch help your plants get off to a strong start and stretch your harvest later into the season.
3. Watch for Slugs and Snails
   Damp, shaded conditions are a slug’s paradise. Use beer traps, diatomaceous earth, or good old-fashioned hand-picking until the weather warms up.
4. Give Plants Room to Breathe
   Space vegetables generously to let in as much light as possible and improve airflow. This helps reduce mildew and encourages stronger growth.
5. Water Wisely
   Shaded beds retain moisture longer than sunny ones, so avoid overwatering. That said, if your veggies are planted near trees, remember their roots are sneaky little thieves — they’ll compete for water and nutrients. Keep an eye on your soil and water when needed.

Try the Almanac Garden Planner

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Garden Planner makes it simple to choose crops suitable for shadier spots. Click on the Custom Filter button, select the ‘Partial Shade Tolerant’ option! Try a 7-day free trial of the Almanac Garden Planner here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can vegetables grow in shade?

Yes! Many leafy greens, root crops, and cool-season veggies thrive in partial or dappled shade with 3–5 hours of sunlight.

Which are easiest for beginners?

Try lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes, turnips, broccoli, or peas — they’re forgiving, fast-growing, and shade-tolerant.

Do shade gardens need special care?

Mostly the same as sunny gardens, but water less frequently, space plants generously, and consider cold frames to warm slower soils.

Why do you recommend specific varieties?

Some cultivars handle low light better than others. I name tested varieties to save you time and frustration.

What shouldn’t I plant in shade?

Heat-loving crops like tomatoes, peppers, squash, and melons generally won’t thrive with limited sunlight.

Your shady garden can be abundant, tasty, and fun. Grab a trowel, pick a few of these vegetables, and enjoy watching shaded corners turn into thriving green oases.