Last year I wrote a post on sun vs shade and after reading it, I don’t like it so I’m redoing a post on light requirements for outdoor plants. My simple method is if it flowers and produces fruit/vegetables it needs full sun. If it just produces “leaves”, ie herbs, it can tolerate some shade. Now of course there is an exception to every rule so always look at the plant tag or look up information online.

Full sun: is 6 or more hours of direct sun per day

Part sun: is 4 to 6 hours of direct sun per day, including some afternoon sun

Part Shade: is 4 to 6 hours of direct sun per day, mostly before midday

Shade: less than 4 hours of direct sun per day

East facing balconies: get around 6-8 hours of sun before 1 pm so they would be considered part shade.

West facing balconies: get around 6-8 hours of hot afternoon and evening sun. They would be considered full sun.

South facing balconies: get 6 or more hours of sun a day and are considered full sun. Vegetable plants will thrive, but you’ll need to pay attention to watering.

North facing balconies: few plants will produce at their optimum in a north-facing location. The soil may dry slower than balconies that get lots of sun so you’ll need to monitor moisture levels and may need to water less than if the plants were in full sun.

My condo balcony faces east, but I have two problems: another condo building and an overhang. My balcony gets very little light and I plant flowers that love shade. Before buying plants for your balcony study the amount of light it gets and the afternoon temperatures. That way you will have a successful harvest or show of flowers.