Herb Gardening in the Shade
Top Five Herbs for Difficult Areas
Herb gardens are typically grown in full sun. In general, this is the best way to grow these plants. This is true of most edible and fruit bearing plants. However, there are several vegetable, fruit and herb plants which will grow in partial to full shade. Fruit bearing plants usually need more sun than shade in order to produce fruit.
The focus here is on five of the most common herb plants found in dooryard and kitchen gardens across the globe.
Herb Plants for Shady Spots
- Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)
- Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Growing Tips
Anthriscus cerefolium Chervil is a perennial in warm climates and may be grown as an annual in cooler climates. Chervil should be direct seeded in mid spring except in areas with mild winters where it can be sown in early spring or mid fall. Chervil thrives in partial shade when watered regularly.
Allium schoenoprasum Common chives are perennial plants in warm climates and may be planted as annuals in cold climates. Sow seeds in spring after danger of frost has passed. Older plants can be divided in the spring or fall. Chives do very well in partial shade. They also grow well in full sun and survive dry periods very well, once established.
Melissa officinalis Lemon balm is a perennial herb which thrives in part to mostly shaded areas where soil is kept damp but not wet. Do not plant where water stands. Lemon balm will also grow in full sun; however, it is subject to leaf-scorch. Sow seeds in early spring. Mature plants may be divided in spring or fall. Seeds may need to be stratified.
Petroselinum crispum Parsley is a biennial herb. Sow seeds in early spring in partial shade and keep well watered. For a constant supply of fresh, young leaves sow seeds every two weeks from spring through late summer.
Thymus vulgaris Thyme is one of the easiest herbs to propagate. Seeds may be direct seeded in the spring while divisions and layering in spring and fall will supply many new plants. Plant in partial shade to full sun and keep soil moist but not wet.
More Herbs for Partial Shade
- Anethum graveolens (Bouquet Dill)
- Coriandrum sativum (Slow bolt Cilantro)
- Ocimum americanum (Lime Basil)
Try growing herbs in containers so they can be moved around as the sun reaches the planting area. Grow in well-composted, healthy soil. Water plants regularly but never allow soil to become saturated to the point water stands around root area. Watch for signs of pests and disease in soil and on plant foliage.
The herbs above will all grow in sunny locations as well as the shade garden. Many can be planted right along with ornamentals in the flower bed.
For more information on growing herbs, see the article; "Common Perennial Herbs." Looking for information about container gardening? These articles might be of interest, “Spring Vegetables in Containers” and also “How to Grow Asian Greens in Containers.”
Chives Growing with Hosta
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Parsley
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Thyme
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