Made in the Shade

Dr. Gary Bachman: It's easy to garden in the shade when you understand what kind you've got, today on Southern Gardening.

Announcer: Southern Gardening with Gary Bachman is produced by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Dr. Gary Bachman: Gardening in the shade can be very intimidating. For that reason, many people don't even try because they believe nothing can grow there. The key is to match the plants to the type of shade you have. The topic of shade in the garden can be confusing is not all shade is created equal. Light shade lasts for no more than two to four hours during the heat of the day, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Filtered shade is commonly called dappled shade. As tree branches move in the wind, shafts of light are able to squeeze through to the ground. Part shade areas receive up to five hours of shade anytime during the day, and full shade lasts all day. It's the shade you find under a tall group of trees or between houses. These areas are lit by sunlight shining or reflecting in from the sides. Dense shade is the darkest type of shade. No sunlight reaches into these areas. Dense, low growing trees cast this type. Tips for growing plants in the shade include spacing the plants a little farther apart to aid in air circulation, providing support in the shade, as the plants will tend to stretch, and as in any garden, mix both annual and perennials so something is always blooming. Knowing the type of shade you have, your garden can be as full, varied and exciting as any garden in the sun.

I'm horticulturist, Gary Bachman for Southern Gardening.

Announcer: Southern Gardening with Gary Bachman is produced by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.