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10 Small Garden Layouts That Maximize Every Inch

A woman on a patio kneels with a clipboard, observing strong direct sunlight on a vertical herb garden contrasting with deep shadows on shade-loving h

It’s fascinating to see how a bit of sun and shade can create such different moods in your herb and shade garden, isn’t it?

Mapping Sun and Shade

Sunlight represents a primary driver of plant health. Observe how the sun moves across your space throughout the day and across seasons.

A simple sun map involves checking your garden every few hours for a day, noting which areas receive full sun (six or more hours), partial sun (three to six hours), or full shade (less than three hours).

This data directly influences plant selection, preventing costly mistakes and plant stress. For example, a south-facing balcony will provide ample light for sun-loving vegetables, while a north-facing courtyard may excel with shade-tolerant ferns and hostas.

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