Gardening
How to map sun exposure in a garden
Garden light is local. One bed can get full sun while the next sits in afternoon shade from a fence, wall, tree, or nearby building.
By Peter Szucs Last updated: July 14, 2026
Short answer
To map garden sun exposure, check each planting area across the morning, midday, and afternoon, then repeat the check for different seasons. SunCast helps by showing sun path, shadow direction, and likely shade from terrain and nearby structures.
Why garden sunlight changes so much
Plant labels make sunlight sound simple: full sun, part sun, part shade. Real gardens are messier. A bed can get strong light in June and weak light in October. A fence can shade one corner for half the day. A tree can matter only after it leafs out.
The right map is not a single note that says sunny or shady. It is a rough schedule for each area: morning sun, midday heat, afternoon shade, winter exposure, and summer protection.
That schedule helps you place vegetables, herbs, flowers, seating, and shade-tolerant plants where they have a better chance from the start.
How to build a garden sun map
1. Divide the garden into zones
Use simple areas: raised bed, patio, back fence, side path, lawn edge, or balcony corner.
2. Check morning, noon, and afternoon
Look at each zone at different times. Morning sun and afternoon sun can suit very different plants.
3. Move through the growing season
Check spring, midsummer, and autumn. Seasonal sun angle can move useful light from one bed to another.
4. Mark hard shade sources
Note fences, sheds, walls, neighboring buildings, and evergreen trees. These are often more predictable than temporary shade.
5. Match plants to the pattern
Put sun-hungry plants where direct light is most reliable. Save gentler spots for greens, shade-tolerant flowers, seating, or containers.
How SunCast helps gardeners
SunCast gives you a visual way to inspect garden light before you move soil, buy plants, or build beds.
| SunCast feature | How it helps |
|---|---|
| AR sun path | Stand in the garden and see where the sun will pass over beds, fences, and trees. |
| Shadow map | Check shade from terrain and nearby structures on the map before committing to a layout. |
| Season planning | Compare spring, summer, autumn, and winter light for the same planting zone. |
| Weather context | Use cloud forecast context when planning a specific planting day, inspection, or photo record. |
Garden mapping mistakes
Mapping only at noon
Noon misses morning shade and late afternoon heat, both of which can decide what grows well.
Ignoring the off-season
Winter and early spring light can matter for planning beds, patios, and overwintering plants.
Treating all shade as bad
Some shade protects plants from heat. The useful question is when the shade happens.
Limits
SunCast can show sun path and likely shadow patterns, but plant health also depends on soil, water, climate, wind, pests, and care.
Check it in SunCast
Planning beds, pots, or a new garden layout? SunCast helps you compare sun and shade across the day and through the seasons.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of sun does a garden need?
It depends on the plants. Many vegetables prefer long direct sun, while leafy greens and shade-tolerant ornamentals can do better with gentler light.
Should I map garden sun in summer or winter?
Check both. Summer shows heat and peak growth conditions. Winter shows low sun, long shadows, and the darkest version of the garden.
Can SunCast show shade from fences and buildings?
SunCast can help visualize shadow direction and map-based shadows. Very small objects, trees, and garden details may still need an in-person check.
