Hello I live in an apartment, so I will be doing some balcony gardening. My balcony faces south, and there is nothing blocking the light except for a Garry oak. I have uploaded two photos I took with my camera to give you an idea of what it looks like. My question is, what quality of light will likely penetrate the leaves of this tree? When I think of Garry Oak, I don't think "major shade" and feel as though I might of got lucky, but I don't know. Does anyone have any experience? Am I going to be able to grow tomatoes on my balcony? Thanks in advance
How much direct sun do you get when the tree leafs out? You'll need 6 hours of direct sun to grow vegetables. Better if it is after 12:00 noon too...
Unfortunately I don't know how much sun I will get when the tree leafs out. I just moved in to the place this month and it is just starting to bud out now. Good to know that plants need 6 hours of sunlight though. Thanks
G. Schenk book The Complete Shade Gardener (2002, Timber Press, Portland) has a chapter on growing vegetables in shade.
