3 Best Herbs That Grow in Shade
3 Best Herbs that Grow in Shade
Turn your unproductive, more shady spaces around your home into a space that produces healthy, organic herbs! While most foods (including most herbs) need a full day of sunlight to produce, these 3 herbs can still produce for you in a more shady spot, and they are worth the try!
In this article, we’ll compare these 3 herbs to help you make an informed choice on which you want to start growing. And we’ll talk about best ways to grow each individually. And if you want to dedicate a larger planter, we’ll talk about how to grow all three together in the same planter because… yes, they are compatible!
Herbs that Grow in the More Shady Spots: Outside or Indoors
Mint
Mint is a robust herb that thrives with as little as 2-4 hours of sunlight per day. It’s known for its versatility and can be grown in containers, making it an ideal choice for small spaces. There are multiple varieties of mint including the popular peppermint and spearmint.
- Average height 6″-8″
- Takes about 8-10 weeks for leaves to be ready
- Mint adds a refreshing touch to beverages, salads, and desserts
Parsley
Parsley prefers 3-4 hours of sunlight daily rather than the full all-day sun of a regular herb and vegetable garden. With its vibrant green leaves, parsley is an excellent garnish for a variety of dishes, adding both flavor and visual appeal. It adapts well to partial shade, making it a great choice for small gardens with limited sun exposure or to grow indoors on a sunny windowsill or under grow lights.
- Average height 6″-8″
- Takes about 9-12 weeks for leaves to be ready
- Parsley leaves are best during year one, but this is a bi-annual plant that can last 2 years
Cilantro
Cilantro is another herb that can produce with 3-6 hours of sunlight each day instead of the normal full day of sun that most other herbs and vegetables need to produce. Known for its distinctive aroma, cilantro is a must-have for salsas, curries, and a variety of other dishes. It adapts well to pots, making it an excellent choice for small spaces.
Cilantro comes for coriander seeds (ground coriander seeds are the spice, or plant the seeds to make cilantro herbs!).
- Average height 6″-8″
- Takes about 45-70 days after planting for leaves to be ready to use
- Cilantro is sensitive to heat, so cooler times of year or cooler climates work better
Cilantro is particularly susceptible to heat. If you plan to grow cilantro outdoors and you live in a hotter climate (or plan to grow it during hotter months of the year)… consider growing CULANTRO instead of CILANTRO! Not sure what the difference is? Check out my post “Growing Culantro vs Cilantro” here!
Growing Tips
These 3 herbs that grow in shade usually provide the best results but… as with all gardening, there are lots of things that can go wrong! Here are some tips to help:
– Ensure well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged roots.
– Water your herbs consistently but avoid overwatering.
– Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and maintains plant health.
– Use slow-release fertilizer sparingly to provide essential nutrients (too much fertilizer causes more harm than no fertilizer at all, read the instructions or use a little organic compost instead!)
– If plants are showing signs of yellowing or stunted growth, increase sun exposure by moving the planter to a slightly sunnier location, add a grow light or increase the light exposure by another 1-3 hours per day.
Mint, parsley and Cilantro usually grow well on a sunny windowsill. Sometimes it takes a few tries before you find the variety to plant, and best windowsill to grow them on. Trial and error is the key to successful gardening!
Mint, Parsley and Cilantro can be grown in the same planter
Mint, parsley, and cilantro can be compatible to grow together in a large planter, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
1. Container Size: Make sure the planter is large enough to accommodate all three herbs. Each herb should have ample space for its root system to grow. A planter with a width of at least 18-24 inches and a similar depth should work well.
2. Soil: Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix to ensure good soil conditions for all three herbs. Herbs in containers rely on the soil for nutrients and moisture, so it’s crucial to provide them with the right growing medium.
3. Sunlight: While these herbs can tolerate some shade, they still need a certain amount of sunlight (or use grow lights). Ensure that the planter receives at least 3-6 hours of indirect or filtered sunlight each day. Placing the planter near a sunny window or under a grow light can help supplement the light requirements.
4. Watering: Be mindful of the different watering needs of these herbs. Mint likes slightly more moisture, while parsley and cilantro prefer the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Water the planter thoroughly but avoid waterlogged soil.
5. Pruning: Regularly prune and harvest the herbs to encourage bushier growth and prevent overcrowding in the planter. This will help maintain a harmonious and healthy herb garden.
6. Companion Planting: Mint can act as a natural pest repellent, which can benefit parsley and cilantro. However, keep in mind that mint is known for its vigorous growth, so it may try to dominate the planter. Regular pruning and maintenance are essential to keep the herbs in balance.
With proper care and attention to these factors, you can successfully grow mint, parsley, and cilantro in the same large planter, creating a delightful and convenient herb garden.
Are Mint, Parsley and Cilantro Considered Safe for Dogs and Cats?
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- Mint: Mint is safe for dogs and cats and can even have some beneficial properties, such as freshening breath and aiding digestion. However, some pets may be sensitive to mint, so it’s a good idea to introduce it gradually and monitor for any adverse reactions.
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- Parsley: Parsley is considered safe for pets when used as a garnish or in small quantities. In fact, some pet owners use parsley to freshen their pet’s breath. However, large amounts of parsley, especially the essential oil, can be harmful to pets. Use it as an occasional treat and not as a primary food source for your pets.
- Cilantro: Cilantro is generally safe for dogs and cats and can add variety to their diet. Some pets may be a bit picky about cilantro’s distinctive flavor, so it’s best to introduce it gradually to see if your pet enjoys it.
Faq: frequently asked questions About Growing Herbs in Shady Spots!
Q1. Can I grow mint, parsley or cilantro indoors?
A1. Yes, you can! Mint, parsley, and cilantro can adapt well to indoor conditions. Place them on a sunny windowsill or provide artificial lighting for around 6-8 hours a day.
Q2. Do mint, parsley, cilantro need sunlight at all?
A2. While they prefer some sunlight, these herbs can thrive in dappled or filtered light. Mint, parsley, and cilantro are known for their shade tolerance, making them suitable for shadier areas.
Q3. Do mint, parsley, cilantro need sunlight at all?
A3. To succeed in shade gardening, focus on well-draining soil, consistent watering, and prudent pruning. Also, consider companion planting to maximize your small space.
Conclusion
In small spaces with limited sunlight, these three herbs can bring a touch of green and culinary delight. Turn unproductive spaces into your small fresh herb garden. Whether outside or inside, mint, parsley and cilantro can be adapted to grow in shadier areas with less sunlight than most other herbs need. Fresh, organic herbs are great to have growing and producing for you to use in baking, cooking, salads, teas and mixed cocktails! And these 3 herbs are generally considered to be safe and healthy for pets your dogs and cats too!
