Dappled shade

Sunlight is filtered by trees or reflected off surfaces

Where: Beneath the fairly open canopy of lightly branched trees, such as silver birch or sorbus, or beside bright reflective surfaces, such as windows and white walls.

Best veg to grow: Everything from ‘moderate shade’, plus hearting lettuce, spring onions, broad beans, turnips and herbs, such as dill, rosemary and sage.

What you’ll get: Salads and herbs, such as dill, will be slow to germinate in shady conditions so, if possible, sow in a bright spot and then transplant – on the plus side, they will be far less likely to bolt. Rosemary and sage plants will be smaller but will still provide pickings.