When planning an urban edible garden, knowing the sun angles is critical for finding an area that has the most sunlight throughout the year. Edible plants require a minimum of six hours of direct sun to grow and produce fruit. Finding the sunlight will help you decide where to best locate your veggie patch.

Throughout the year the sun’s arc changes and shadows from adjacent buildings, fences, trees, and other structures will cast different lengths of shadow. The lower the sun, the deeper and longer the shadow.

In the summer, the sun is at its highest point in the sky, whereas in the winter the sun is a its lowest. Yesterday, here in the northern hemisphere, we experienced the winter solstice or the shortest day of the year.

Take a look at my backyard garden which is on the north side of my home. See how the sun’s light dramatically changes over time, and how shadow has now blanketed my garden.

So, goodnight little garden, rest and recuperate, I will wake you up in the spring.