How to Assess Sun Exposure: Sun Mapping for Gardeners
To assess sun exposure for gardens, we use “sun mapping” to observe and record sun and shade patterns throughout the day and for each season. Our simple 5-step guide for sun mapping helps gardeners create the ideal spots for their gardens.
To guide beginners, we list various tools gardeners use to create sun maps, such as sketches, sun exposure apps, and sun meters, along with their pros and cons. We detail the traditional method of sketching, but using your camera or a drone makes sun mapping quick and fun! The best sun mapping dates are provided for each season with reasons to consider seasonal changes.
Your final sun map determines a garden layout that ensures your plants receive the appropriate sunlight year-round. We’ll show you how to analyze your map to match plants’ light requirements to areas with the same sun exposure. Sun mapping is the best way to ensure plants have vigorous growth, lots of blooms, and that you have a productive growing season!
How Do You Assess Sun Exposure in Your Garden?
We assess sunlight exposure in a garden using one of three methods: sun mapping, sun exposure apps, and sun meters. Below, we explain the different methods to determine sun exposure, along with their pros and cons.
- Sun mapping: Traditional sun mapping strategically records sunlight and shadow observations at different intervals in a day. The sketches are combined to make a sun map of accurate sunlight accumulation in your yard. It’s free, easy, and detailed. The disadvantage is that you’ll need to make observations at least four times in a single day. Instead of sketching, take photos.
- Sun exposure app: An app that determines sun exposure app typically shows sunlight and shadows for any location or date and calculate sunlight accumulation. Data is viewed on a map or live. The benefit is that taking screenshots for all seasons in one sitting makes this method of sun mapping the quickest. The downside is that some are paid apps, device-specific, and do not offer enough detail for your property. Gardeners recommend trying apps such as Sun Seeker, Sun Surveyor, SunOnTrack, and Sun Position and Path.
- Sun meter: A meter is placed in a specific spot for a whole day. During this time it calculates the accumulated sunlight it receives. This is okay for a few small locations. However, it is not ideal for sun mapping an entire property, large yards, multiple areas, or big gardens. The drawback of this method is that it’s the most expensive and takes the longest time. Plus, you have to buy the meter and remember to turn it on/off and move it around from day to day until you’re done collecting data.
What Are the Best Dates for Sun Mapping?
The best dates for sun mapping are the beginning of each season in the Northern Hemisphere, as listed below.
- Spring: Starts around March 20th (Spring Equinox)
- Summer: Starts around June 21st (Summer Solstice)
- Fall (Autumn): Starts around September 22nd (Fall Equinox)
- Winter: Starts around December 21st (Winter Solstice)
These dates can vary slightly each year. In the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are reversed, with summer beginning in December, fall in March, winter in June, and spring in September.
Why Consider Seasonal Changes When Sun Mapping?
We consider season changes because the tilt of the Earth’s axis alters the sun’s angle and intensity, affecting how much light your garden receives. Repeating sun mapping in different seasons ensures your garden plan accommodates these variations.
- Repeat the sun mapping process for all seasons (spring, summer, fall, winter).
- Adjust your garden plan based on seasonal variations to ensure plants receive appropriate sunlight year-round.
Here’s a simple table to illustrate typical shadow effects and hours of direct sunlight associated with spring, summer, fall, and winter.
| Season | Hours of Direct Sun | Notable Shadow Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 6-8 hours | Longer morning shadows |
| Summer | 8-10 hours | Shorter, midday shadows |
| Fall | 4-6 hours | Longer evening shadows |
| Winter | 2-4 hours | Longest shadows throughout the day |
How Do You Complete a Sun Map?
To complete a sun map, sketch your property’s layout and note the cardinal directions and date. Then, make additional copies. Choose at least four times during the day to observe and record sunlight and shadows. Last, combine the sketches for a sun map! Alternatively, use your camera or drone to speed up the process.
The 5 steps to complete a sun map are detailed below.
Step 1: Gather Materials
Before starting, gather essential tools to accurately map sun exposure in your garden. Materials include a compass, a notebook, a pen/pencil, and blank paper for sketching the landscape layout.
- Compass or smartphone with a compass app
- Notebook and pen/pencil
- Blank paper for sketching the landscape layout
- Markers or flags
- Camera or drone (optional)
Step 2: Determine Cardinal Directions
Identifying cardinal directions (North, East, South, West) is fundamental for understanding how sunlight moves through your garden throughout the day. Knowing these directions helps you accurately track the sun’s path and map the sun’s exposure.
- Find True North: Use a compass or a compass app to locate True North in your garden. Hold the compass flat in your hand, wait for the needle to settle, and then turn yourself until the needle points to the north marker.
- Determine Cardinal Directions: Once you know where north is, determine the other cardinal directions.
- Understand Sun Movement: The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, moving across the southern sky (in the Northern Hemisphere). This means that areas to the south generally get more direct sunlight during the day, while areas to the north are more shaded.
- Visualize Sun Path: With the cardinal directions marked, visualize how the sun moves over your garden. In the morning, the eastern part of your garden receives sunlight; around noon, the southern areas are exposed; and in the evening, the western part is lit.
Step 3: Sketch the Landscape Layout
Sketching the layout of your landscape is essential to understanding the placement of yards, buildings, trees, and topography. This sketch serves as a foundation for accurately mapping sun exposure and shade in the next step.
- Mark Cardinal Directions: On a blank paper, start by marking the cardinal directions, North (N), East (E), South (S), and West (W), on your landscape sketch.
- Sketch Layout: Drawing a rough outline of your property.
- Add Structures: Include existing buildings, trees, and any other structures that cast shadows or affect sunlight patterns.
- Add Topographical Features: Include any significant features such as hills, slopes, or water bodies that impact sun exposure.
- Make Copies: Make 5 copies of your landscape sketch. (Four copies are used for the time intervals in step 4 and one copy is used for the final sun map.) Set aside the original for future seasons.
Step 4: Observe and Record Sunlight and Shadows
Observing sunlight and shadows at specific times of the day allows you to see how light moves through your garden and where shadows fall. Sunlight intensity and duration affect photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light into energy. Recording these observations helps you map sun exposure accurately.
- Choose Best Day: Choose a clear, sunny day for observations.
- Choose Best Times: Select at least 4 times to record during the day in 3-hour intervals. (e.g., 9 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM, 6 PM).
- Record Observations: Use a separate copy of your landscape sketch at each time interval. Write down the time, then mark the sunlit and shaded areas.
- Simplify (optional): Take photos or aerial views of your garden with a camera or drone to document sun patterns visually.
Step 5: Create a Sun Map
Compiling your observations into a sun map visually represents sun exposure in your garden. This map helps you easily see areas of full sun, partial sun, and full shade, guiding you in placing plants according to their light needs.
- Label Sun Map: Complete your sun map using a blank copy of your landscape sketch. Label it with the season and date to track seasonal changes.
- Assess Observations: Review the 4 completed sketches for each area and determine the total number of hours of direct sunlight it receives throughout the day.
- Complete Sun Map: Use colored pencils to shade in areas receiving full sun, partial sun/shade, and full shade according to the total hours of direct sunlight as noted in the table below.
| Sunlight Condition | Hours of Direct Sunlight per Day |
|---|---|
| Full Sun | 6+ hours |
| Part Sun/Shade | 4-6 hours |
| Full Shade | Less than 4 hours |
How Do You Analyze a Sun Map for Plant Placement?
To analyze the sun map for the ideal plant placement, review the sun exposure patterns to determine the best locations for different types of plants based on their sunlight requirements.
- Review Completed Sun Map: Match plant light requirements to areas with the same level of sun exposure (full sun, part sun/shade, full shade).
- Additional Considerations: In addition to light requirements, consider grouping plants according to similar growing conditions, such as water needs and soil preferences. These sustainable practices conserve resources and your time all year round. It’s just another tip to simplify gardening!
- Discover Microclimates: Microclimates are pockets of your yard with a slightly different climate than your overall growing zone climate. For example, a shady spot by a stream where moss tends to grow, or an area with sandy solid that stays super hot. In these areas, experiment with suitable plants.
By understanding the science behind sun exposure and following our guide, your planning optimizes a garden layout that meets the light needs of all your plants.
Want to explore more about the basics of gardening and get other simple gardening tips for beginners? Try related topics where we share soil secrets and the easiest flowers to grow.
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FAQ
How Much Sun Does a Garden Need?
The amount of sun a garden needs depends on the plants you are growing. Full-sun plants require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, partial sun/partial shade plants need 3-6 hours, and full-shade plants thrive with less than 3 hours of direct sunlight. Understanding these requirements helps ensure optimal growth and productivity.
How to Get More Sun in Your Garden?
To increase sun exposure in your garden, choose a south-facing location, prune overhanging trees, use reflective surfaces, elevate plants with raised beds or containers, optimize plant spacing, utilize vertical gardening, and remove obstacles that cast shadows. These strategies help maximize sunlight for better plant growth.
Is Too Much Sun Bad for Plants?
Yes, too much sun harms plants, causing sunscald, wilting, leaf burn, stunted growth, and soil drying. To protect plants from excessive sun, use mulching, shade cloths, proper watering, strategic planting, and improving soil moisture retention to maintain plant health.
How Do You Calculate Sun in a Garden?
To calculate the sun in a garden, we use sun mapping techniques, taking into account seasonal variability and geographic influence. Calculation guarantees ideal plant placement by accurately identifying areas with full sun, partial sun/shade, or full shade.
How Do You Measure Sunlight for Gardening?
We measure garden sunlight by employing sun mapping, sun surveying apps, and light meters that track sunlight and shadows. These methods help us measure sunlight and determine the best planting locations with suitable sun exposure.
What Are Sun Exposure Apps for Gardening?
Sun exposure apps calculate the sun’s position, path, sunlight, and shadows at any time for your location and in different views (map or live). The best apps for determining sun exposure are Sun Seeker, Sun Surveyor, SunOnTrack, and Sun Position and Path. Users highlight their accuracy, but some experience compatibility issues with specific devices.
