Gardening Articles
Sun Exposure
By Diane Lehr
UC Master Gardener of El Dorado County
This article appeared in the July 31, 2024 Mountain Democrat
I am sitting here, pen in hand, writing an article about sun exposure and our community is in day ten of a heatwave. Yes, this could be an easy article to write because too much sun is on everyone’s mind. I am going to tackle the effects of too much sun on plants, the possible prevention steps for plants, and for us as insatiable gardeners.
When deciding where to plant, read the tags or labels placed with the plant. Full sun plants need at least six hours of direct sun daily. Part sun plants thrive with between three and six hours of direct sun per day. Part shade plants require between three and six hours of sun per day but need protection from intense mid-day sun. Full shade plants require less than three hours of direct sun per day. Also on the plant tag is the USDA Hardiness Zones in which the plant can thrive. You can find your Hardiness Zone here: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov You just need to enter your ZIP Code and you will find your Hardiness Zone.
Periodically, look at your garden from sunup to sundown to see how the sun travels over it. Are there trees, walls, or gazebos that may be casting shadows on your garden? Know which parts of your garden get only morning sun, or those areas that are in full sun during the hottest part of the day.
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