What are essential sun-mapping techniques?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.*Sun mapping* is crucial for locating plants in a way that will allow them to flourish by knowing the light patterns in your garden. Observe the sunlight in your garden space for two consecutive days during the planting season. Observe how it moves across the garden space for successive hours every day. Identify areas with full sun, partial shade, or deep shade. This will prevent you from placing sun-loving tomatoes in areas that are subject to dark and shady conditions.
Use free apps like Sun Seeker or Sun Surveyor to visualize solar paths accurately. The apps display the sun's trajectory through the lens of your phone camera in relation to structures, such as trees and buildings. I like to analyze app data along with observations I make myself. A spot that is designated as full sun during June may become shady when deciduous trees leaf out!
Data Collection
- Document light patterns hourly for 48 hours
- Note seasonal variations from deciduous trees
- Record reflections from buildings/water sources
Zone Identification
- Mark areas getting 6+ hours direct sun
- Identify partial shade zones (3-6 hours)
- Label deep shade spots (<3 hours)
Tool Utilization
- Use sun path apps for augmented reality views
- Place sun-sensitive paper as light indicators
- Install time-lapse cameras for multi-day analysis
Consider seasonal canopy changes that result in dramatic variations in light availability. Deciduous trees produce summer shade but allow the winter sun to pass through. At the same time, evergreens maintain their coverage throughout the year. In my garden, I reserve the area under the maples for shade-tolerant mint, knowing they will receive full sun in spring before the canopy develops.
Use the information that you compiled to create zones of light maps. Sketch the layout of your garden, using red for full sunlight, blue for partial shade, and purple for deep shade areas. Then revise this map seasonally, since the light patterns of your garden change. I keep mine laminated with my gardening tools, so I can consult it quickly when sowing seeds.
Enhance light levels in tricky areas with reflective surfaces. White is suitable for painted fences to cast a shadow on plants. Shiny objects, such as aluminum pans, should be placed strategically to avoid reflections. My bed, which faces north, improved productivity by 40% using these methods without modifying structural or organic features of the space.
Act immediately on your results after mapping your property. Place your sun-loving eggplants, peppers, and other similar plants in the brightest zones. Leave the partial shade areas for greens and herbs. You can expect to see healthier plants and higher yields within a few weeks due to proper placement.
Read the full article: 10 Essential Edible Landscape Design Tips
