How to Get Plants to Grow with Too Much Shade
How to Get Plants to Grow With Too Much Shade
Trim Back Your Trees
One way to get your plants to grow in a shady yard is to reduce the shade by strategically trimming your trees to allow for more light. Before you begin, spend a day observing how the sun lands on the area in which you want to start your garden. Study your tree limbs, taking note of which ones block the most rays. Then invest in a sawzall, a sturdy ladder and some safety goggles and get to work. It's a good idea to have someone assist you to hold the ladder or watch for falling limbs. Also, wear closed toed shoes. In the event that a limb does land on your feet, hard shoes will minimize any pain.
Use Fluorescent Lighting
If you've got a gorgeous kitchen bay window but your kitchen faces the wrong side of the house, you may have experienced a series of failures while trying to grow flowers for your window. One inexpensive and easy way to combat the lack of sun in your kitchen window is to invest in a fluorescent 60 watt, light bulb for about $2 at Wal-Mart, to place in your light fixture.
Invest in Shade-Friendly Plants
In Southern climates, impatiens do extremely well in shade and can offer a wide range of colors to invigorate any yard. Caladiums are another plant that does well in shade and their massive, multicolored leaves offer an impressive look. No matter what zone you reside in, there are dozens of shade plants to choose from. If you can't get more light into your garden or home, instead of wasting money on plants that won't grow, find some shade plants that you can fall in love with.
Published by Nik Minor
Nik is a freelance writer, editor, law student, and small business owner. View profile
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7 Comments
Post a CommentPlants must be matched with the growing environment they require.
Terrific article. The first paragraph was a strong lead-in.
I opt for the shade friendly as my yard is totally tree covered.
I do a couple of flats of impatiens every year. By October they're two feet high! New Guineas don't spread as fast, and will tolerate some sun. Love the colors!
Didn't know you had a green thumb as well as an entrepreneurial spirit. Thanks for the info!
Good to know! What grows in soggy ground?
Hey, where ya been? I love impatiens. Is it the New Guineas that I get that grow so well? I think so. Gearing up for spring planting, I see. Thanks!