I'm new to gardening and recently picked up some herbs like basil, mint, cilantro, and oregano that I want to grow in my backyard. I've heard they require 6 to 8 hours of sunlight, but I'm not sure how to measure that in my space. My house faces west, which casts a shadow on my patio until about 1 or 2 PM, and while sunset is around 8 PM, I'm only getting about 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight due to my neighbor's trees and houses. Do I need to put my planters in full sun without any shade for those hours, or is it okay if they get some indirect light? My front yard has the same sunlight issue. Additionally, this time of year, the humidity is around 40-60%, and I'm uncertain if that impacts their sunlight needs. I'm confused about what counts as true sunlight—does just being outside count? Could someone explain in simple terms what I should consider?
5 Answers
One crucial tip: ensure you don’t plant mint in the ground or on raised beds directly on the ground, as it can spread like crazy! For cilantro, it prefers some morning sun but lots of shade in the afternoon. Oregano and basil thrive with 6-8 hours of sun, but they'll survive on less—just might not be as robust. And just a heads up, being outside isn’t the same as being in full sun; it really does need to be direct sunlight for the hours mentioned.
Hey there! Generally, when we say 6-8 hours of sunlight for herbs, we mean they need full sun without any shade. It's best to find a spot where they'll get the maximum sunlight possible. However, don’t stress too much; plants can be pretty forgiving. Just try them out in different spots and see how they do. If your neighbors garden, maybe ask them for tips! Good luck!
And just to add, many herbs don’t strictly need 6-8 hours of sunlight! My basil and cilantro thrive just fine in partial shade under my tomatoes. So you could experiment a bit and see what works well for you in your specific conditions.
Great point about observing! Spend a day checking how the sun moves across your yard. It might take a little bit of time, but you'll find the spots that get the best sunlight throughout the day. Using a notebook to track your findings can be really helpful, too!
When determining sunlight, you’re looking for direct sunlight. So, think about which areas of your yard get sun and when—especially during the day. If possible, spend a day observing where the sunlight hits your home and for how long. That way, you can find the best spot for your herbs! Remember, often the south side of houses gets the most sun. Happy planting!