Some plants just can’t get enough sunshine.
They love basking in full sunlight — that means 6 to 8 hours or more every single day! These sun-loving crops grow strong and full of flavor. But here’s a secret: you can also use their height and shade to help more delicate plants thrive beneath them.
Let’s take a look at the best full-sun plants and who they’re happy to share their sunny space with.
Plants That LOVE Full Sun
These garden favorites are made for sunlight. Give them bright, open spaces and watch them grow strong:
- Tomatoes: Need lots of sun to ripen and taste sweet.
- Peppers: Heat and sun help them grow faster and stronger.
- Cucumbers: Love the light, especially when climbing a trellis.
- Beans and Peas: Do best in warm, sunny spots.
- Cauliflower: Needs sun but prefers cooler weather — great for spring or fall.
- Marigolds: Bright, beautiful flowers that thrive in full light and repel pests.
- Onions: Grow with the strongest flavor when they get lots of sun.
These plants are your garden sunbathers — put them where the light is strongest.
Shade-Loving Friends That Grow Beneath
Some leafy greens and herbs prefer a little break from the sun. The good news? You can plant them under taller sun-loving crops to give them just the right amount of shade.
Here’s how to make great matches:
- Lettuce: Loves a little shade. Plant under tomatoes or peppers to stay cool and crisp.
- Spinach: Stays tender when planted under beans or trellised cucumbers.
- Arugula: Grows well under pepper plants, where it gets filtered sunlight.
- Chives: Pair with tomatoes or peppers. These low-growing herbs help fight pests and don’t block sun.
🌞 Smart Tip: Use tall, sun-loving plants like umbrellas to protect shade-sensitive greens from bolting in the summer heat!
Garden Planning Tips for Sun-Loving Crops
Here’s how to use sunshine wisely in your garden:
- Plant tallest crops to the north of shorter ones so they don’t block the light.
- Use trellises for cucumbers and beans — they create perfect shade below.
- Mix sun and shade lovers together for space-saving garden beds.
- Start with sun maps: Watch your garden at different times to see which spots get the most light.
- Mulch generously to keep soil cool for shade lovers.
- Use easyDacha app - It tells you what to do, when, and how, with the best tips from gardeners in your climate zone
easyDacha app simplifies the process by analyzing your space and suggesting crops that will thrive based on factors like sunlight, water availability, and ground type. It even provides step-by-step to-do lists tailored to your location and climate, ensuring you never miss a critical gardening task.
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With smart layout, your garden will be both beautiful and productive.
1. Can I grow lettuce in full sun?
It can grow, but it bolts quickly. Better to plant it under tall crops like tomatoes or peppers.
2. Do tomatoes need full sunlight?
Yes — they need 6–8 hours daily for strong growth and sweet fruit.
3. What plants grow best under trellised cucumbers?
Spinach and leafy greens do great — they enjoy the shade and cooler soil.
4. Are marigolds good for vegetables?
Absolutely. They repel pests and love the sun, making them perfect border plants.
5. Can I mix herbs like chives with sun-lovers?
Yes! Chives grow low and protect tomatoes and peppers from pests.
6. What’s the best way to combine sun and shade plants?
Use tall plants to shield heat-sensitive ones underneath. Think of it as natural sun protection!