Raised garden beds offer many benefits for growing vegetables, flowers herbs and other plants. The elevated design improves drainage allows control of the soil quality, and makes gardening more accessible. But one challenge raised beds present is full sun exposure. The confined structure can bake tender plants in hot summer light.
Shade is an important consideration for raised beds Luckily many options exist to provide cooling relief for plants. Let’s explore smart strategies to add flexible shade solutions over raised garden beds
Why Add Shade Over Raised Beds?
While most edibles require full sun, portions of dappled light is ideal in raised beds. Here’s why some shade is beneficial:
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Prevents leaf scorching and wilting. A reprieve from intense midday sun protects delicate plants.
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Retains soil moisture. Shade reduces water evaporation from soil and plant surfaces.
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Shelters pollinators. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds need shady spots to rest on hot days.
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Prevents bolting. Lettuce, spinach and other greens bolt or go to seed prematurely in too much heat and sun.
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Lowers soil temperature. Shaded soil stays cooler on hot days, reducing plant stress.
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Allows growing shade-lovers. With some shade, you can grow plants that would otherwise struggle in full sun.
Temporary Shade Structures
When shade needs are short-term, opt for removable options:
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Umbrellas – Place tall patio umbrellas near beds to instantly block sunlight.
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Screens – Drape old window screens over support frames to diffuse harsh rays.
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Sheets – Use clothespins to secure bedsheets or burlap over plants when necessary.
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Shade cloth – Drape shade fabric in various densities to reduce sunlight 30-80%.
Seasonal Shade Options
For shade needs lasting weeks or months, try these season-extending ideas:
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PVC hoops – Bend PVC pipes over beds, covering with shade fabric as required.
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Lath panels – Hinge together wood lath panels to shade beds at adjustable angles.
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Lumber frames – Build open-topped rectangular frames to support shade cloth sections.
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Cloche lids – Set spare cold frame lids on beds to allow airflow while filtering sun.
Permanent Shade Structures
For ongoing shade in key areas, incorporate lasting structures:
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Shade sails – Hang triangular fabric sails between posts/beams to block sun while permitting breeze.
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Gazebos – Install open-sided gazebos over part of the garden to limit light.
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Arbors – Create shaded tunnels over beds with wood or metal arbors.
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Lattice – Use lattice panels, shade screen or slatted fencing to shade bed sides/tops.
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Trees – Strategically place trees, shrubs or vines to cast afternoon shade where needed.
Best Plants for Partially Shaded Raised Beds
Once you’ve added shade, take advantage by selecting plants that appreciate dappled light:
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Cool-season crops – Lettuce, kale, chard, carrots, beets, peas, broccoli.
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Leafy herbs – Mint, cilantro, parsley, arugula, oregano.
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Edible flowers – Nasturtium, borage, calendula, violas.
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Berry bushes – Gooseberries, blueberries, currants.
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Ornamentals – Coleus, coral bells, astilbe, impatiens, begonias, ferns.
Tips for Adding Shade to Raised Beds
Follow these guidelines as you incorporate shade elements over raised garden beds:
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Shade beds from late morning to early afternoon when sunlight is most direct.
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For meaningful protection, use at least 30% shade density fabric. 50% is ideal for delicate plants.
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Water shaded beds 1-2 days longer between waterings since soil dries slower.
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Monitor for pests like slugs and snails that prefer moist, shady areas.
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Replenish mulch before summer to help keep shaded soil cooler.
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Avoid permanent structures that will shade beds year-round – adjust seasonally.
Get creative combining temporary and permanent shade solutions to control sunlight levels bed-by-bed. With a thoughtful shade strategy, you can customize conditions across your raised bed garden.
Raised garden beds happily accept a variety of ornamental and edible plants in both sun and shade. Smart shade allows growing cool-loving crops while protecting all plants from intense heat.
With so many shade options – from umbrellas to gazebos and more – it’s easy to provide flexible shade coverage over raised beds. Tailor protection to suit the unique needs of your site and plant selections. With the right amount of cooling shade, your raised bed garden will thrive!
raised garden bed: 23
shade: 22
beds: 16
full sun: 5
partial shade: 5
plants: 12
soil: 6
water: 3
heat: 5
temporary: 3
permanent: 3
seasonal: 2
cool-season crops: 1
leafy herbs: 1
edible flowers: 1
berry bushes: 1
ornamentals: 1
shade density: 2
shade structures: 5
Step 1: Measure the area for your elevated garden
The most crucial step is to measure the space that you will turn into an elevated garden and then find the raised bed that fits the area. Elevated raised beds differ from traditional raised beds because the bed has four feet, raising the bed above the ground by several inches.
You can find two kinds of raised garden bed designs in our online store: the classic elevated raised bed and the tiered raised bed. If you are looking for a simple raised bed design, get the classic design. But if you want to maximize a small space, we suggest getting the tiered raised garden bed.
How To Grow Shade Vegetables In An Elevated Garden Bed
Not all plants can tolerate direct sunlight all day; some of them burn easily. If your garden is set in an area that receives sunlight all day, consider growing plants in a raised garden bed.
Shade vegetables, in particular, thrive in a contained growing space because the condition there is just right. Fewer weeds compete for nutrients, and the risk of an infestation is minimal. Maintaining an elevated garden bed is also a breeze which is perfect for beginners and busy growers. Here’s how to grow shade vegetables in an elevated raised garden bed.
12 Perfect Vegetables To Grow in a Shady Garden Space
FAQ
Do garden beds need shade?
All gardens need light.
Sure, you can cut down a tree to let in more sun or build a pergola for shade, but you can’t adjust the tilt of the earth. To find plants that will thrive in your garden, you need to get a handle on how much sunlight reaches each bed throughout the day and in all four seasons.
Should raised garden beds be in full sun?
You don’t need to have a lot of space to build a raised bed garden. What you do need is a spot that receives full sun for most of the day – at least 6 hours. Those edible plants require lots of sun to mature fully and set fruit for your harvest. So, the sunniest area on your property will be the best garden spot.
What should I cover my raised garden bed with?
You might consider adding a plastic tarp over your old blankets or frost cloth (just make sure to use garden hoops to keep the plastic from coming into direct contact with your plants. You could also use garden cloches, cold frames, or even burlap sacks.
Is 50% shade cloth ok for veggies?
Shade cloth comes in different coverages. However, using a percentage of no more than 40-60% shade cloth is recommended for vegetables during the summer.May 26, 2022
What is a shady raised bed?
Shady raised beds let us design gardens that ensure soil health and good drainage while enlivening dark garden zones. Dynamic shade plants abound in raised beds for partial to full shade areas in an array of foliage and flowering forms. Use raised beds to feature plant details that may otherwise be lost in a vast planting bed.
Can you make a garden shade for a raised bed?
During the hot summer months, giving your plants some shade in their raised beds can really help them grow. But buying those garden shade structures from the store can get pretty pricey. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 7 creative DIY shade ideas you can make for your raised beds on the cheap.
How to protect raised garden beds from Sun?
A shade cloth can be DIY, such as an old white sheet, floating row cover, window screen or a piece of lattice. It can also be a roll of lightly woven material purchased to shade your SFG. Whatever kind you use, it will reduce how much heat can reach your plants via sunlight.
Can you use shade cloth on raised garden beds?
Shade cloth can be used for raised garden beds that have solid arching. You can drape, cover and wrap shade cloth to any requirement that you have. How do I shade my garden for cheap? A shade cloth can be DIY, such as an old white sheet, floating row cover, window screen or a piece of lattice.
When should I add shade to my raised bed?
Follow these guidelines as you add shade elements to your raised bed setup: Shade beds from late morning to early afternoon when sun is most direct overhead. Use at least 30% shade cloth density for meaningful protection. 50% is ideal for delicate plants. Water shaded beds 1-2 days longer between watering as soil dries out slower.
What can you plant in a raised garden bed?
Raised garden beds are popular, and a quick look at pictures online will yield more images of lush green plants overflowing the bed walls than you can scroll through. But what can you plant in a raised garden? Short answer: Darn near everything! Let’s explore our favorite vegetables, herbs, fruit, and flowers.