☀️ How to Choose the Sunniest Spot for Your Kitchen Garden
If there’s one thing every thriving kitchen garden has in common, it’s sunshine. Whether you're growing leafy greens, juicy tomatoes, or climbing cucumbers, sunlight is essential for healthy growth, strong roots, and abundant harvests.
Here’s how to find the perfect spot in your yard by understanding sun patterns, avoiding shady surprises, and using smart tools to make the most of your space.
🌤️ Why Sunlight Matters in the Garden
Most vegetables need 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. Without enough sun, your plants may grow slowly, produce fewer blooms, and yield smaller harvests.
Some crops—like tomatoes, peppers, and squash—love even more sunshine. Giving them the light they need sets the foundation for success in your kitchen garden.
🔍 Step 1: Observe the Sun in Your Yard
Spend a few days (or even better, a few weeks) observing how the sunlight moves across your yard. The sun’s position changes with the seasons—what’s sunny in April might be shady by July.
Summer: The sun is high, casting shorter shadows.
Winter: The sun is lower, with longer shadows throughout the day.
Spring/Fall: Transition periods when shade and sun angles vary.
Understanding these patterns will help you avoid placing your garden in a spot that becomes shaded later in the season.
🌐 Step 2: Use Online Tools to Map Sun Patterns
Take the guesswork out of planning! Use SunCalc.net to:
Visualize the sun’s path over your property
See sunrise and sunset angles
Understand seasonal light availability
Enter your address and select a date to see how the sun will move across your space. It’s a powerful tool to ensure your future garden spot gets maximum sun exposure.
🌳 Step 3: Look for Structures That Block the Sun
As you scout your yard, look for obstructions that could create unwanted shade:
Neighboring homes, garages, or sheds
Fences (especially privacy fences)
Large trees or dense shrubs
Pergolas or patio covers
These elements can block morning or afternoon sun—especially when the sun is lower in the sky during spring or fall.
🧭 Step 4: Choose the Best Garden Orientation
A general rule of thumb: orient your garden beds north-to-south when possible. This ensures even sun exposure throughout the day and helps prevent your taller plants from shading out the shorter ones.
Can’t achieve perfect orientation? No problem. Just try to:
Maximize east-to-west exposure (so plants get light in both morning and afternoon)
Position taller plants to the north or west side of the bed to avoid shading
🌿 Step 5: Smart Trellis Placement to Avoid Shadows
Vertical growing is great—but be mindful of where you place your trellises and supports. Poor placement can unintentionally cast shadows on nearby plants.
Tips for smart placement:
Place trellises on the north or west side of your bed
Choose open designs to let light filter through
Grow tall crops like peas, beans, and cucumbers in a way that they don’t overshadow other plants
This helps ensure every inch of your garden gets its fair share of sun.
☀️ BrightSide Tip: Watch & Adjust
Even after planting, stay observant. You might notice changes in light as the seasons shift or trees leaf out. It’s perfectly okay to adjust your setup over time—sometimes shifting a bed just a few feet makes a big difference.
🌱 Ready to Start Your Kitchen Garden?
Choosing a sunny spot is step one to a garden that flourishes. If you're ready to design your own productive and beautiful kitchen garden, BrightSide Gardening can help.
📅 Book a consultation today and let’s make your garden dream a reality—sunshine included.