Most herbs prefer a sunny location in the garden because they only develop their rich aromas with light and warmth. However, there are also a whole range of species that can adapt very well to partially shaded or even shady places.
Which herbs grow in the shade?
Herbs that thrive in the shade include watercress, wood sorrel, wild garlic, garlic mustard, field horsetail and peppermint. Mint, local culinary herbs such as parsley and chives, wild herbs such as meadow button and meadowfoam as well as marigolds and fragrant violets are suitable for partial shade.
Herb garden in partial shade
The choice for a partially shaded herb garden is still very large, although you can primarily rely on native species. But some varieties of Mediterranean herbs also tolerate light partial shade - so it may be worth taking a look at the variety label. However, we particularly recommend these herbs for growing in light partial shade:
- various mints (e.g. peppermint, orange mint, brook mint, curly mint)
- local culinary herbs such as parsley, chives, chervil, meadowsweet, lovage and dill
- Wild herbs such as meadow button, meadowfoam, wild garlic or woodruff
- as well as marigolds and fragrant violets
Herb garden in the shade
There is also a small selection of herbs for deep shade that grow primarily in forests and therefore naturally rely on little light. These include, for example, watercress, sorrel, wild garlic, garlic mustard and field horsetail. The lush green peppermint, which grows up to 80 centimeters high, also thrives in the shade. But be careful: the species listed tend to spread too wildly and must therefore be hindered in their urge to expand. By the way: A location is considered a shady spot if it is exposed to the sun for less than four hours a day.
Soil requirements
Herbs that thrive in partial shade or shade place some demands on the supply of nutrients. Before planting, mix the garden soil (which should also be as humus or loamy as possible) with plenty of compost. This serves as a nutrient reserve and at the same time improves the water holding capacity of the substrate. Give your herbs a good scoopful of compost as fertilizer twice a year. Alternatively, you can also use horn shavings (€32.00 on Amazon) or other slower-flowing fertilizers. In addition, ensure that the soil is always slightly moist.
Tip
Wherever you want to create a fragrant green area in a shady spot instead of lawn, you can use carpet-forming mints. The carpet poleiment, for example, is very suitable and even tolerates kicks. Corsican mint can also be used for this purpose, but it is not always completely hardy in our area.