5 flavour-packed herbs that grow well in shady spots

Mint can be grown indoors in a container, if there’s a space crunch, and it thrives in full sun and requires regular watering (Image: Canva)

• Mint, parsley, and chives can grow in partial shade.
• Coriander tolerates shade and offers health benefits.
• Lemon balm thrives in sun or shade and is great for teas.

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With summer around the corner, there’s nothing like growing your own herbs to add flavour and freshness to your dishes and coolers. Most are known to thrive in direct sunlight and depend on it for their aromatic leaves and flowers. But there are some herbs that can grow just as well in shady spots around your garden. All they need are 3 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Here are seven of them you’ll love to plant…

Gardening tips: Grow these 5 herbs

Mint: Nothing like mint for salads, mojitos, smoothies, and more. This herb can be grown indoors in a container, if there’s a space crunch. It thrives in full sun and requires regular watering. But it’s also easy to grow in partial shade, near your kitchen door. Regular pruning ensures better growth.

Also read | Gardening tips: Grow your own spices and herbs to ward off illnesses

Parsley: This fresh herb grows well in both full sun and part shade. Those with space constraints can grow parsley in pots. Because it is small in size, it can be placed in any shady spot around the house. It requires soil rich in organic matter. Seeds can be sown in spring or autumn, but ensure protecting the plant from frost. Use its stems and leaves in salads, soups, and stews.

Chives: Chives are delicious and also one of the easiest herbs to maintain. Their leaves and flowers have a mild onion flavour. They grow well in spots that receive six hours of bright, direct light, with partial shade for the rest of the day. Chive leaves can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes.

Also read | 5 popular herbs you can easily grow at home: From dhania for chutneys to mint for coolers

Coriander: Coriander is used in Indian kitchens to garnish salads and curries. It thrives in well-drained soil and can be grown from seeds. It requires bright sunlight, but also tolerates partial shade. It’s known for its refreshing citrus-like leaves. Regular harvesting ensures delayed flowering. This herb also has many health benefits and can help improve digestion and gut health.

Lemon balm: This perennial herb is enjoyed in teas, salads, sauces, and vegetables for its unique lemon flavour. It requires full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Prune frequently to ensure healthy flavourful leaves. This one’s a blessing in your garden, as it keeps producing for years.