Season, sun & temps
How much sun does this spot actually get?
Count the hours of direct sun and it tells you whether the spot is full sun, part sun, part shade or full shade.
How this works
Count direct-sun hours on a June day — spring counts lie, the trees haven't leafed out. 6+ hours is full sun; fruiting crops want it. 4–6 grows greens, roots and herbs.
Questions people ask
How many hours is full sun?
Six or more hours of direct sun. Six to eight is where fruiting crops start to perform; below four you are growing leaves, not fruit.
Is morning sun as good as afternoon sun?
Morning sun is gentler and dries dew early, which reduces disease. In a hot summer, afternoon shade is a feature rather than a problem.
Does dappled shade count?
Roughly half. Light through a high open canopy all day is closer to part sun; dense shade under a maple is not.