Growing Herbs in Shady Areas

It is a common myth that herbs can only be grown in full sun.

Yes, first prize is full sun throughout the day. But it is possible to grow healthy herbs in shady areas.

If your herbs don't get enough sunshine a couple of things might happen:

1. The quality won't be as good as those growing in full sun. But rest assured. The difference is normally so small that you won't even notice it.
2. They will tend to grow leggy. This is easily corrected by pruning - harvesting - more often.
3. They will probably need less water. That's a bonus. But be careful of over watering.
4. They will produce "softer" growth, which will be more prone to pests and diseases. This is a little more serious. You'll need to be wide-awake and act immediately if you discover any pests or diseases.

So you see, with a little bit of knowledge you can grow herbs anywhere you like, even indoors.

Source: The South African Herb Growers Guide

Comments

[AnneTanne]

Of course, herbs that really need a sunny spot won't grow so well in a shady area. But there are lots of herbs that prefer at least partial shade.
I don't know what grows well in South-Africa, but in my garden I have a sunny herb garden and another one on a shady spot.
In the latter I grow Sweet Cicely, Woodruff, but also mint, chives, chervil...
Several herbs seem to prefer partial shade over full sun, like bee balm, angelica, lady's mantle.
Of course I don't know if these herbs are often grown in South-Africa, but I am quite sure that whereas there will be (native) herbs that love full sun, there will be others that will do better in (partial) shade.

[Nelia]

I love all of this