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Hi! I recently acquired a small raised bed I want to grow lettuce and other greens in this bin, I am in coastal San diego, so lucky enough for winter garden.
My boyfriend wants me to put it on the west side of the house, however I am not sure if this area gets enough light, the house blocks direct sunlight until between noon and one every day. Then after this point, it does get all of the afternoon sun.
Beetnik,
I've grown cabbages, broccolis, cauliflowers in a northeast corner of my yard that got dappled bright light through overhanging trees for most of the day. They did fine without being in direct full sun all day.
That said, I've also grown mustard greens, Collard greens, and cabbages on the opposite (SW) side of the yard in full-on sun all day. They did equally as good.
My experience is that the broad leafy veggies are tolerant as long as the light is bright enough, for a long enough period of time each day. They don't have to be in direct sunlight. Matter of fact, the cool of the shade keeps the cool/cold loving plants more comfortable.
This is only my experience, and I hope it helps you out.
These cabbages were all grown in the bright, indirect light in fall-winter, and enjoyed temps from around 55 to occasional dips as low as 32 degrees. They play "beach volleyball" in temps averaging around 45-42 degrees!
>>"the house blocks direct sunlight until between noon and one every day. Then after this point, it does get all of the afternoon sun."
Beetnik (love that name!), lettuce easily gets by with only 5 hours per day. Some other greens will need full sun. Can you tell us which other greens you are considering?
I grow my lettuce close as in touching the North side of my garden shed, It is in the sun from daylight till about 11 then it is in the shade untill about three.
I grow it in cedar boxes which are 6 inches by 6inches and 8 feet long. They sit on saw horses this keeps the slugs out I can lift and move these boxes. Ernie
I want to plant almost all greens. lettuce, kale, mustard, some mesclun mixes, and some leeks the first round. Any other suggestions for coastal San Diego, full afternoon/evening sun? Temperatures usually in the 70's to 80's.
