North facing gardens are typically in shade for much of the day, as the house is usually blocking the sun. Though, in the summer months, if your garden is big enough and your house not too tall, a north facing garden (or at least parts of it) can receive sunshine throughout the day.
How does the sun hit a north facing garden?
North-facing gardens
This garden will have areas of shade for much of the day. Though, north-facing surfaces, like back of the house, will get decent evening sun from May-Oct. All but the most heat-loving plants enjoy midday shade, which also stops pale colours burning out.
How many hours of sun does a north facing garden need?
Most plants grown in gardens need from 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day.
How do you deal with a north facing garden?
Quick top tips for a north facing garden:
- Shady gardens can be mainly green.
- Blur the boundaries.
- You can add some light by pruning out lower branches of taller trees.
- No lawn.
- Choose plants that are recommended for shade.
- Have seating areas around the garden.
- Find out more below…
Will a north facing garden get the sun? – Related Questions
What grows well in north-facing garden?
The 10 Best Shade-happy Plants for a North-facing Garden
- Asplenium (spleenworts)
- Heuchera (Coral bells)
- Liriope muscari ‘big blue’ (big blue lilyturf)
- Polystichum (Shield ferns)
- Cyrtomium falcatum (Japanese holly fern)
- Hedra Helix (Common Ivy)
- Erysimum ‘bowles mauve’
- Dryopteris (Wood fern)
Where should I put my seating in a north-facing garden?
If your garden is north-facing and your patio or seating area is adjacent to the back of the house, it will be in the shade for the majority, if not all, of the time. “If you prefer to sit in the sun, you may want to put your seating area partway down or at the far end of the garden,” Jane says.
Is a north facing garden a problem?
It can be harder to grow a decent lawn when you have a garden that faces a northern direction as a result of the lack of sunlight. Issues such as moss and algae can crop up in a north facing garden as they thrive in conditions that are shady and damp.
Can you have a north facing vegetable garden?
North facing garden:
One huge benefit of a North facing garden is the evening sunshine it’ll enjoy throughout May to October. Vegetables that do well in these conditions, with three to four hours of sun, include rocket, lettuce, mint, oregano and chives.
Is it better to have a north or south facing garden?
A quick breakdown of the sunlight that gardens receive is as follows: Gardens that face north receive the least light and can be damp. Gardens that face south receive the most light. Gardens that face east receive light in the morning.
Why is north facing backyard best?
North-facing aspect
North or north-east facing properties are considered the most desirable because they get the most direct sunlight through the day, especially in winter when the sun is at its lowest. In an urban area where sunlight is at a premium, this can make a world of difference.
What is the best orientation for a garden?
A north-south orientation is best for low-growing crops, allowing direct sunlight to reach both sides of the bed. For taller crops such as pole beans, peas and tomatoes an east west orientation works best. Leave enough space in between beds to easily maneuver around.
Where should you not put a garden?
The ideal vegetable garden location is on level ground or a gentle slope. In choosing a location, avoid any low spots that stay wet in the spring. Also avoid gardening at the bottom of a slope, as air can form a frost pocket. Notice the topography—the landscape—of your property.
What facing garden gets sun all day?
South facing garden advantages
There is one simple reason that a south facing garden is a selling point for a house, because they’re in the sun all day.
Do vegetables like morning or afternoon sun?
Leafy greens such as lettuce, arugula, kale, bok choy, and chard are happy with just a few hours of sunshine each day. In fact, keeping them out of midday sun can prevent their tender leaves from wilting. Climbing vegetables do well in areas that are shaded in the morning but sunny by afternoon.
What vegetables don’t need a lot of sun?
Fruits and Vegetables That Grow in the Shade
- Kale. A tried-and-true favorite that’s experienced recent popularity, kale is prolific in cool seasons and in shadier areas of the garden.
- Broccoli.
- Cauliflower.
- Cabbage.
- Brussels Sprouts.
- Beets.
- Radishes.
- Carrots.
What vegetables need 4 hours of sun?
Vegetables that tolerate partial sun (4-6 hours of direct sunlight) include broccoli, peas, celery, beans, onions, cauliflower, cabbage, leeks, asparagus, and scallions.
Is 4 hours of sun enough for vegetable garden?
Like all plants, vegetables need the sun to kick-start photosynthesis. The fastest-growing vegetables need full sun The fastest-growing vegetables need full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day—without blockage from trees, shrubs, or fences.
Will tomatoes grow with 5 hours of sun?
Tomato plants need at least six hours of full sun exposure daily, but if you want to achieve the best results, increase the yield and grow sweeter fruits, you might aim to give your tomato plants at least eight hours of sun per day.