The Urban Patch

Let’s be real: most gardening advice assumes we all live on a sprawling quarter-acre block with 360-degree exposure. In the reality of Brunswick (or any inner-city spot), we’re often fighting for every centimetre of light. Whether it’s the neighbour’s massive corrugated iron shed or that beautiful (but annoying) deciduous tree, shade is a constant battle.

The general rule of thumb is: If you eat the fruit or the root, it needs sun. If you eat the leaves, it can handle the shade.

Here is the Urban Patch guide to the veggies that don’t mind living on the “dark side.”

🥬The Leafy Legends (Lettuce & Rocket)

Lettuce is actually a bit of a shade-seeker when the Melbourne summer hits. In full sun, lettuce tends to “bolt” (go to seed and turn bitter) faster than you can say “salad.”

Rocket, Cos, and Butterhead lettuce will actually stay tender and sweet for longer if they only get 3 or 4 hours of morning sun.

💡Urban Patch Tip: Grow these in pots and you can move them into the brightest corner as the seasons shift (or out of the afternoon sun in a scorcher!).

🌱The “Hardy” Greens (Kale & Silverbeet)

Silverbeet is the indestructible king of the urban garden. It will grow in a literal crack in the pavement, so a bit of shade won’t stop it. Kale is similarly tough. They might grow a little slower and the leaves might be slightly smaller than a full-sun version, but they’ll be just as delicious in your morning smoothie.

🪴Asian Greens (Bok Choy & Tatsoi)

Most Asian greens are fast growers and have relatively shallow root systems. They are perfectly happy with a “half-day” sun situation. In fact, keeping them out of the intense afternoon heat stops them from wilting and stressed-induced flowering.

🌿Herbs that Don’t Mind the Gloom

While basil and rosemary are sun-worshippers, a lot of the “soft” herbs are quite happy in the shadows:

• Mint: Will grow anywhere (seriously, keep it in a pot or it will take over your life).
• Parsley: Actually prefers a bit of protection from the scorching midday sun.
• Chives & Coriander: Coriander, in particular, is less likely to bolt to seed if it’s kept in a cooler, shadier spot.

🫜Root Veggies (The “Maybe” Category)

If you have a solid 4 hours of sun, you can squeeze out some Radishes. They grow so fast they barely have time to notice the shade. You could also try Beetroot, but expect them to be “baby beets” rather than giants. You’ll get amazing leafy tops, though!

✏️Tips for Shade Gardening

• Don’t Overwater: Plants in the shade don’t lose moisture as fast as those in the sun. Check the soil with your finger before you grab the hose – you don’t want a swampy pot or to attract fungus gnats.
• Watch for Slugs: The shady, damp corners are basically a 5-star resort for snails and slugs. Keep an eye out or get the eco-friendly pellets ready.
• Use Reflective Surfaces: If you’ve got a white wall or a mirror, position your pots near them. It’s a cheeky way to bounce a little extra light back onto the plants.

💡 My Urban Patch Take

Just because your balcony feels like a goth club doesn’t mean you can’t be a gardener. Start with the greens, accept that things might grow a little slower, and enjoy the fact that you aren’t out there getting sunburnt while you weed! Odie and I spend most of our time in the shade anyway – it’s where the best naps happen.

Do you have a shady “micro-climate” in your garden? What’s actually working for you? Drop a comment below!