September 6, 2007

Sunlight requirements for vegetables

Posted by Dervaes

Q. You have really inspired me! I need advice.

I am starting a community garden at my apartment complex. We have begun converting the "trash dump" between our garages into a garden space. The space may prove challenging for food production because it is only in full sun for about three to four hours a day. It is the only space we have!

The space is asphalt, so we are building planters. The planters we are building are eight feet long and four feet wide. and are two feet deep. We have acquired free soil by posting on craigslist. Now for my question...

Are there any particular veggies that you recommend we grow in such a low light situation? Any advice would really help.

A. First, like to congratulate you on your starting a community garden in your complex -- way to go!

You are right, it's going to be a challenge to grow with limited sunlight. 3-4 hours? Wow, that's not much. Does that area get morning or afternoon sun?


Unfortunately, you probably won't be able to grow the "big crops" such as tomatoes, corn, pepper, cucumbers, squash.

However, not all is doom and gloom! The space may be ideal for green crops such as swiss chard, kale, lettuces, arugula.

Here's a handy "sunlight requirement" indicator from the internet:


How much sun does your garden really need?


Fruiting Vegetables - eight hours of sun. This includes tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and vine crops such as cucumbers, melons and squash.

Root Vegetables - six hours of sun. This includes carrots, beets, etc.

Leafy Vegetables - four hours of sun. These are your "greens" such as lettuce, spinach and collards.

* Keep in mind that these are minimums. Increasing the amount of sunlight your vegetables receive will increase the yield and quality of your crop.

* Even though your vegetables may get enough light when planted near a tree, they will not get enough nourishment and water. Vegetables can't compete with an established tree for essential nutrients and moisture.


I hope I've helped. You certainly have a tough situation to deal with, don't be discouraged! At least you are going to be growing something in a space that wasn't productive before!

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2 Comments: "Sunlight requirements for vegetables" »

  1. 1

    Please tell me about Light requirements for different crops in DETAIL.

The Urban Homesteaders


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