Find the right place
for the plants
you want to grow.
Meet the Sun & Shade Workbook. Turn a day of garden observations into a clearer plan for what to plant where.
- Map direct sun, filtered light, and shade
- Compare morning and afternoon exposure
- Match plant needs to your garden
4 printable pages · No BloomYard account needed
From “sun or shade?”
to “this plant fits.”
You only need one bed and a place to keep your notes. Start on a mostly clear day, then revisit when the season changes.
Map your planting spot
Sketch the bed, mark shade sources, and choose observation points.
Watch the light change
Record direct sun, filtered light, and shade throughout the day.
Compare across the seasons
Keep dates, leaf cover, and uncertain estimates beside your observations.
Choose plants that fit
Compare plant light needs with your notes, then check soil, moisture, and size.
A little clarity
for your next garden day.
Get your free Sun & Shade Workbook.
A few good
questions.
Built to help you observe, organize, and plan.
Do I need a light meter?
No. Begin by observing the actual planting spot and recording when direct sun reaches it. The workbook helps organize estimates; it is not a measuring instrument.
Can I start in fall or winter?
Yes. Record the season and whether nearby trees have leaves. Recheck during the growing season before treating those observations as a final light classification.
Can I use it for containers?
Yes. Observe the exact container position. A roof, railing, or nearby building may shade it differently from the rest of a patio.
How do I use the workbook?
Download the PDF, print it, and write your notes by hand. Use a separate copy for beds with different conditions.