Sunlight Secrets for Healthier Plants in Mobile Gardens

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Gardening in the South can be a joy, but it requires knowing what your plants need to thrive.

One key factor that can make or break your garden is sunlight.

While it might seem obvious, different plants have very specific light needs, and understanding how sunlight interacts with your garden can save you time, money, and frustration.

Luckily, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System has some expert advice to help you figure out exactly what kind of sunlight each part of your garden gets.

And the best part? You can do it with your smartphone.

Jack LeCroy, a home grounds regional agent, is here to explain why assessing sunlight is so important and how to do it the easy way.

White ZinniasPhoto byroninkgd/Unsplash

Your Phone Is Your Best Gardening Tool

Who knew your smartphone could help you become a better gardener?

According to LeCroy, using your phone’s camera to track sunlight patterns throughout the day is one of the simplest ways to get a handle on your garden’s light exposure.

All you need to do is pick a sunny day, snap photos at regular intervals, and use the time stamps to analyze how much light each area of your yard receives.

This method doesn’t cost a dime and gives you precise information about how sunlight changes from morning to afternoon.

And in a place like Mobile, where summer sun can be intense and winter light is more fleeting, knowing these details is invaluable.

Maximize Your Plant Choices

With your smartphone snapshots in hand, you can now make informed decisions about what to plant and where.

If you’ve ever had a plant wither away despite your best efforts, chances are it wasn’t getting the right amount of sun.

LeCroy mentions that many people end up buying the same plant multiple times, only to realize it was placed in the wrong spot to begin with.

By understanding which parts of your yard get full sun, partial sun, or shade, you can ensure your plants thrive the first time around.

Sun-loving flowers like zinnias will love basking in the hottest spots, while ferns and hostas will appreciate the cooler, shadier corners of your yard.

And if you're growing veggies, tomatoes and peppers will need that strong afternoon light, while herbs like mint and cilantro prefer some shade.

Planning for Year-Round Success

In Mobile, the sun's angle shifts dramatically between summer and winter.

This means a spot that gets full sun in July might be shaded by trees in December.

LeCroy advises gardeners to assess sunlight in both seasons.

By paying attention to how the sun moves through your yard all year long, you'll be able to design a garden that stays healthy through every season.

Also, taking a little extra time to plan before buying plants can help you avoid replanting and save money in the long run.

With just a little effort and a few snapshots, you can create a garden that’s built to last.

Grow with Confidence

Sunlight assessment is a simple, yet powerful tool that can take your gardening to the next level.

For more detailed guidance, LeCroy has put together a handy publication titled “How Much Sun Do I Get? Guide to Sunlight Assessment in the Garden,” which you can check out online.

Whether you're starting a new flower bed or planting vegetables, understanding sunlight patterns will help you make the most of your garden.

For more gardening tips or personalized advice, reach out to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, where experts are always ready to lend a hand!

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Source:

• Alabama Extension: Assessing sunlight in the garden helps make planting choices