Spending time in your garden is one of life’s great pleasures. But too much sun can damage your prized plants. Here’s how to keep your outdoor plants happy and healthy by providing shade from intense sunlight.
Use Structures and Canopies for Broad Shade Coverage
Install Awnings, Pergolas, and Arbors
Adding permanent structures creates shelter from sun while allowing air circulation. Awnings mounted on the side of your house provide adjustable shade as needed. Pergolas made of wood or metal can support vines to form a leafy canopy. Arbors anchored over pathways filter sunlight through overhead trellises. Position these structures to the south or west of plants to block midday and afternoon sun.
Set Up Gazebos, Tents, and Umbrellas
Temporary structures are ideal for targeted shade. Pop up a portable gazebo or tent to protect potted plants that you move around. Push a patio umbrella over containers that need relief from hot sun at certain times of day. Look for styles with ventilation to prevent too much heat buildup underneath.
Build Trellises and Lattice Panels
Lean decorative trellises against house walls to diffuse western sun over garden beds. Mount lattice panels on fences to filter sunlight and provide privacy. Train climbing vines like beans, cucumbers, and grapes onto the structures as living shading solutions.
Use Shading Fabrics for Flexible Protection
Install Window Screens and Mesh
UV-resistant shade cloth or garden netting provides excellent sun protection while allowing airflow. Stretch the material over hoop houses or greenhouse frames to shield tender seedlings. Use aluminium window screening to make movable shades for shielding vulnerable leaves or fruits. The dense mesh prevents up to 70% of solar radiation from passing through.
Drape Burlap, Canvas, and Sheets
On temporary basis, drape natural shading fabrics like burlap and canvas over plants or attach sheets to posts around the garden. These breathable materials reduce sunlight exposure while permitting good air circulation to prevent damping off. Water as needed since evaporation increases under coverings.
Secure Weed Barrier Fabric
Weed block fabric placed on the ground reflects sunlight and cools soil. Use stakes to hold down the black geotextile material around plants that prefer shade. This prevents weed growth and retains soil moisture. Leave an opening for watering.
Go Natural with Foliage for Filtered Light
Plant Shrubs and Bushes
Positioning smaller shrubs and bushes like azaleas, hydrangeas, and boxwoods to the south and west creates living filters for intense sun rays. The leafy barriers provide dappled shade so your plants get gentle exposure rather than harsh sun.
Build DIY Plant Shelves
Install layered shelves on fences or walls to hold potted shade plants like ferns and impatiens. The hanging gardens effect blocks direct sun while allowing filtered light. Use brackets to mount shelves or stack crates at staggered heights for a decorative look.
Add Vining Plants
Grow vining plants like ivy, clematis, and jasmine on support structures to create lush overhead shades. The leafy coverage provides cooling relief while decorative flowers add appeal. Ensure the vines do not overwhelm your plants.
Plant Larger Trees
For broader, permanent shade, plant fast-growing trees like willows and silver maples to the south and west of your garden. Their leafy canopies cast cooler shadows so your plants are protected during the hottest parts of the day.
Use Smart Strategies to Maximize Existing Shade
Find Sheltered Microclimates
Take advantage of shady spots caused by structures like walls and fences. Position plants that need protection on the north or east side of buildings, under eaves, and alongside garages or sheds. These locations offer cooler temperatures and relief from harsh afternoon sun.
Rotate Potted Plants
Move potted plants around during the day to give them a sun break. Wheeling containers onto shady patios or porches protects from intense midday light. Just be sure to return them to sunny spots so they get sufficient light overall.
Group by Light Needs
When planning beds and borders, cluster plants according to their light requirements. Place shade lovers like impatiens together under trees or on the east side of taller plants. Sun worshippers like tomatoes go on the south and west portion of your garden.
Time it Right
Pay attention to when certain areas of your landscape get sunlight during the day. Then plant accordingly, situating flowers and vegetables that thrive in intense sun where they’ll benefit from western and southern exposure. Reserve shaded morning spots for shade-tolerant plants.
Conclusion
Adequate sunlight is crucial for healthy plant growth, but too much harsh sun causes damage. Use canopies, fabrics, foliage, and smart placement in shaded microclimates to filter sunlight streaming onto your prized flowers, vegetables, and container plants. Observe the sun patterns in your yard and group plants according to their light needs. With proper shade solutions in place, you can create an outdoor oasis where all your plants thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are some good shade plants?
A: Great shade plants include impatiens, hostas, astilbe, coral bells, begonias, coleus, azaleas, ferns, heucheras, and brunnera. Most flowering plants labeled “part sun” can tolerate shady conditions.
Q: How much sun is too much for plants?
A: As a general rule, avoid having plants in direct sunlight for more than 6 hours a day, especially during the hottest part of the day. Many plants can get sun scald or bleach out if they receive more than 6 hours of direct sun. Adjust and monitor shade as the sun’s intensity changes.
Q: What percent of sun do most plants need?
A: Most plants need at least 50% sunlight, or about 5-6 hours of direct sun daily. However, many plants can thrive with bright indirect sunlight or short periods of direct sun. As long as a plant gets some amount of sun for photosynthesis, pay attention to its preferred conditions and adjust shade accordingly.
Q: What side of a house gets the most sun?
A: The south side of a house in the northern hemisphere receives the most sun exposure, followed by the west side which gets hot afternoon sun. East sides get gentle morning sun, while north sides tend to be more heavily shaded.
Q: How do you shield plants from sun’s heat?
A: Use shade structures, fabrics, and positioned foliage to protect plants from intense heat and sunlight. Allow for air circulation to prevent excess heat under coverings. Also, ensure plants have adequate water to withstand high evaporation. Mulching helps cool soil and retain moisture.