Watching your urban garden thrive starts with understanding its sunlight. Here’s a simple guide to check if your planter boxes are getting the light your plants need.
First, know your plants' requirements. Check their tags or research online. Terms like "full sun" (6+ hours), "partial sun/partial shade" (3-6 hours), and "full shade" (less than 3 hours) are your key guides.
Next, become a sunlight detective. For a few days, observe your planters. Track how long direct sunlight hits them. A simple method is to check on the hour and note if the box is in sun or shade. You can also use a sun calculator app for more precision.
Pay close attention to the shadows. A sharp, well-defined shadow typically means strong, direct light, which is ideal for sun-loving plants. A soft, faint shadow indicates indirect or filtered light, better for shade-preferring varieties.
Watch your plants for signals. If they are leggy, leaning heavily towards the light, or have pale leaves, they are likely starved for sun. If the leaves are scorched, bleached, or wilting in the afternoon, they are probably getting too much intense light.
Remember, sunlight changes with the seasons. A spot that's sunny in spring might be shaded when trees are full in summer. Be prepared to move your planters if possible or switch out plants to match the changing light conditions. Your careful observation is the best tool for a lush urban oasis.