15 Shade-Tolerant Vegetables That Thrive Even Without Much Sunlight

Because carrots tend to bolt in sunny yards, they prefer shady gardens. Plant these colorful veggies in a garden bed or container that’s at least 12 inches deep and three inches apart in late spring or summer. Be sure to load them up with nutrient-rich, well-drained soil that’s smooth and even. These root vegetables will be ready to enjoy 60 to 80 days after sowing.

An overly sunny garden is radish’s worst nightmare: The root veggie usually develops a bitter taste and a spongy texture that isn’t at all appetizing. To preserve its flavor and freshness, plant your radishes in the shade during the spring or fall in loose, well-drained soil. The seeds are best sown in half-inch holes in the ground or a deep container and spaced two inches apart. You can harvest these fast growers three to four weeks after sowing them.

This hardy, shade-tolerant veggie needs just a few hours of light to continue growing big and strong. Too much sunshine can actually backfire, turning its leaves tough and bitter. Not only can you plant this low-maintenance veggie in the shade (in early fall or early spring), but you can also harvest its outer leaves as the crop develops, which will give you a steady supply of greens. For the best results, keep the soil evenly moist.

Arugula is known for its tart, peppery flavor, but if you give it too much sunlight, its taste will turn overly sharp. When this leafy green is grown in partial shade, however, its leaves will stay tender and balanced. While you can plant this shade-tolerant vegetable in the spring and fall, some shade is especially beneficial in warm weather. Sow this fast grower a quarter-inch down at least one foot apart, regularly water it, and it’ll be ready to harvest in a matter of weeks.

Brussels sprouts are another vegetable that tolerates partial shade well. Because these cool-weather crops prefer mild conditions, low-sun yards prevent them from stressing out in the warmer months. Although these cruciferous vegetables take a little longer to mature, they’ll taste sweeter and extra flavorful fresh from the garden. To help them shine, plant the seeds in pots in early spring or mid- to late-summer, and transfer them to your garden six to eight weeks later.

This unfussy, reliable vegetable is a great one to grow in a low-light garden. Like other leafy greens, Swiss chard craves the shade, so it doesn’t become too tough or bitter. After planting them in early spring, these veggies will begin to develop colorful stems and tender leaves, which will give your garden a pretty pop of color and texture. For a continuous supply, harvest the outer leaves regularly, starting four to six weeks after planting them.

Turnips are a versatile root vegetable that can handle partial shade like a pro. With less light, these hardy, cool-season crops produce tender greens and smaller, flavorful bulbs and avoid becoming too strong or woody. After planting them in early spring or late summer in well-drained soil, these shade-loving veggies will grow fast. If you prefer a mild taste, harvest them early. Otherwise, they’ll be ready to cultivate when their diameters reach two or three inches.

Lots of heat and direct sunlight can cause shade-loving bok choy to bolt. Partial shade, on the other hand, helps these leafy greens grow longer and stronger. Plant them in deep containers or beds (they’re great for small gardens) in spring or late summer, and watch them mature at a rapid pace—you can harvest them as early as 35 days after planting them. With consistent shade and moisture, they’ll produce tender leaves and crunchy stems for all your soups, stir-fries, and sides.

Since cabbage is a cool-season crop that grows well in partial shade, full sun can stress it out in warmer climates. Although planting these greens in a shady garden might take them a little longer to sprout, the low-light conditions will actually boost its flavor. With a little shade and a lot of moisture, you’ll eventually get fresh crops with firm, crisp heads that’ll elevate all your coleslaws, soups, and salads.

Brimming with a rich red color, beets are a beautiful shade-loving vegetable to plant in your low-sun garden. Not to mention, these root veggies are fibrous and fast-growing, and they can tolerate near-freezing temperatures. Plant them in early spring in well-drained, compost-rich soil with a top layer of organic mulch, and watch your plants become tender and flavorsome and produce plenty of edible greens.

Since cauliflower thrives in cool conditions, it’s a great candidate for a partial-shade garden. Plus, intense sun and excessive heat can cause cauliflower to turn bitter and its head to “rice,” which means it breaks off in tiny rice-like pieces. In addition to keeping its quality intact with some shade, cauliflower needs consistent moisture to grow dense and tender. In due time, you’ll have a wonderful veggie to roast or steam.

Grown in partial shade, especially in late spring or early fall, broccoli will avoid premature bolting and improve its head quality. These cool-weather crops also need regular moisture to produce tight, flavor-packed florets. Once the central head is firm and reaches four to eight inches in diameter (generally 50 to 90 days after planting), you can harvest it. Once you harvest the main head, oftentimes, the plant will generate smaller shoots.

Green onions are one of the best shade-loving vegetables to grow in low-light conditions. In shady areas, these plants produce tender, mild stalks. Plus, they grow fast after planting them in early spring and don’t require a lot of maintenance. Since you can repeatedly harvest them or regrow them from scraps, they’re an ideal addition to small garden spaces.