How to Assess Shade Levels for Gardening

Assessing the shade levels in your garden is an important task to ensure that you choose the right plants for your space. Here are some steps to help you assess the shade levels for gardening:

1. Determine the amount of sunlight: Observe the amount of sunlight that your garden receives during the day. Sunlight levels can be measured in full sun, partial sun, partial shade, and full shade. Full sun means your garden receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, partial sun means your garden receives between 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, partial shade means your garden receives 2-4 hours of direct sunlight, and full shade means your garden receives less than 2 hours of direct sunlight.

2. Determine the type of shade: Shade can be caused by different factors, including buildings, trees, fences, and walls. Determine the type of shade in your garden, whether it is full shade, dappled shade, or filtered shade.

3. Determine the direction of the sun: Observe the direction of the sun in your garden. North-facing gardens tend to receive less direct sunlight and are typically cooler, while south-facing gardens receive more direct sunlight and are typically warmer.

4. Use a shade meter: Consider using a shade meter to accurately measure the shade levels in your garden. Shade meters can be found in garden centers or online.

5. Observe plant growth: Observe how plants grow in different areas of your garden. Plants that require full sun will not thrive in full shade, while shade-loving plants will not thrive in full sun.

By following these steps, you can assess the shade levels in your garden and choose the right plants for your space. Remember to also consider the soil type, drainage, and other environmental factors when choosing plants for your garden.