Most people think berries need non-stop sunshine to grow those big, juicy, flavorful fruits we all love. While that’s true for a lot of varieties, it’s not a universal rule! There are actually several berries that thrive in partial shade. If your garden has some shadier spots, don’t worry—you can still harvest a delicious crop. Here’s the scoop on which varieties to plant.
Berry Varieties for Partial Shade
Picking the right spot is the secret to getting a huge harvest without spending all day weeding and watering. While most berry varieties are sun-worshippers, these guys actually prefer a little break from the heat:
- Gooseberries
- Wild Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Wild Strawberries (Alpine Strawberries)
For these specific plants, a partially shaded spot isn’t just “okay”—it’s actually ideal. Think about where you find wild berries; they naturally grow along the edges of forests where they get dappled light. In fact, wild strawberries and blueberries might struggle if they’re baked in the sun all day. Even gooseberries can get a bit “sunburnt” or shrivel up if they’re stuck in that intense midday heat for too long.
