Not every garden gets eight hours of full sun, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on growing your own vegetables. While many crops love long, sunny days, there are plenty of vegetables that thrive in part-shade conditions and still produce bountiful harvests.

The key is knowing which vegetables can handle less light and how to care for them properly. Ahead, experts share 10 vegetables that grow well and produce reliably without full sun.

1. Zucchini

Zucchini is a great option for part-shade gardens, since it can still grow beautifully with several hours of direct light, especially when planted in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.

“They don’t require full sun, and all they really need is to be watered when the soil is very dry,” says Matt Tutt, head gardener at Aguacateros. “They produce a lot of fruit all throughout summer, and with just a few of these planted, you will have more than enough for you and your family.”

For best results, sow seeds or transplant starts after the last frost in a spot that gets morning sun and some afternoon shade, and give plants plenty of space to grow and spread.

2. Spinach

Spinach is especially well-suited to part-shade gardens. It prefers cooler conditions and can even struggle in intense, all-day sun. Spinach grows best with a few hours of direct light and some protection from afternoon heat, which keeps leaves tender and helps prevent bolting.

Tutt suggests choosing a perennial or slow-bolting variety when possible.

“Spinach doesn’t require a lot of heat, and actually does best in a partly shaded spot,” he explains. “I find that when planted in full sun, spinach requires constant watering and also has a tendency to go to seed, which causes the leaves to become quite bitter.”

3. Leaf Lettuce

Plant Addicts horticulturist Jessica Mercer calls leaf lettuce one of the best vegetables for part-shade.

“It grows well with two to four hours of direct sun or dappled sunlight,” she says. “A little shade helps keep the leaves tender and slows bolting in warm weather.”

Keep soil evenly moist and harvest outer leaves often, which will help prevent them from becoming bitter and tough. “Look for loose-leaf types rather than heading lettuces, which usually prefer more sun,” Mercer adds.

4. Kale

Kale handles part-shade surprisingly well. While it’ll grow slower than it does in full sun, kale will still produce a steady crop of leaves with just three to four hours of direct light daily.

“Water during dry weather so the soil doesn't dry out and pick the outer leaves first to extend the harvest period,” Mercer says. “Note that shade-grown kale is often a little more tender.”

5. Bok Choy

Bok choy is an excellent choice for spots with morning sun and afternoon shade.

“The extra protection in the afternoon helps delay bolting, which is what can make this crop frustrating to grow in warm weather,” Mercer says.

Offer bok choy consistent moisture after planting and space plants 6-12 inches apart for full-sized heads, or four to six inches apart for baby bok choy. Thin seedlings after they are a few inches tall to help promote proper development.

6. Beets

Mercer says that beets are worth growing in part-shade because one plant produces two crops: roots and greens. “The roots may stay smaller with only three to four hours of sun, but the greens are tasty and often the most reliable part of the harvest,” she explains.

Water beets consistently while roots are developing to reduce cracking and woodiness. “Thin seedlings early so the plants aren’t crowded,” Mercer adds.

7. Radish

Radishes can surprisingly thrive in partial shade, especially in hot climates where the additional shade protects them from excessive heat.

While full sun is ideal, radishes can still grow well with three to six hours of sunlight and even produce better, less-woody roots in warmer weather.

“Radishes grow quickly, require little effort and adapt well to partial shade, making them an excellent choice for beginning gardeners,” says Marina Prokaten, plant expert at the Plantum app.

8. Welsh Onions

Welsh onions are hardy, perennial plants that produce long, hollow green leaves. All parts of the plant are edible and have a strong onion flavor often used for salads, cooking or seasoning.

“Welsh onions grow best in full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade,” Prokaten says. “Just keep in mind that with less light, the leaves tend to be smaller and not quite as strong in flavor.”

9. Broccoli

Broccoli can also thrive in partial shade, depending on your climate.

“If you live in a cooler environment, it tends to do better with more sun, but in hot climates, dappled sunlight is helpful,” says Steve Corcoran, CEO of Lawn Love. “This is largely because it’s a cool-weather plant, so it prefers slightly colder temperatures versus high heat.”

Plant broccoli in a spot that gets afternoon shade when the sun is at its peak, which Corcoran says can provide more desirable growing conditions. “Make sure to water it regularly and to water right at the base of the plant rather than overhead,” he adds.

10. Carrots

While carrots prefer full sun, they can tolerate partial shade and still grow with about four to six hours of direct light each day. They may develop more slowly and take longer to mature, but the smaller roots they produce are often sweeter and less bitter, making the extra time worth it.

For best results, plant carrots in a spot that gets some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, which can help prevent bolting.“They need loose, well-drained soil and moderate watering,” says Gene Caballero, co-founder at GreenPal. “I would focus on good soil prep so that the roots can develop properly.”