Location, location, location

[rajncajn]

I have a fairly large back yard, but at any given time it is covered in shade due to the numerous trees including a live oak. My question is, I plan on building a container garden, but I'm concerned about whether to plant it where I will get more morning sun or afternoon sun. I live in the Gulf South, so Summers get pretty hot if that makes any difference.

[KarenZone3A]

Hello,

If you are planting vegetables in your container garden, most vegetables require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.I would think direct morning sun would be good with some shade at the hottest part of the day... General rule though for veggies is lots of sunlight. Dappled versus deep shade would make a difference too
If you are planting flowers, not veggies, the beds can be anywhere you want, you just need to fill them with plants that prefer shade. There are many beautiful flowers which thrive in shade.
Happy gardening :)
K

[JCalhoun]

Here on the Gulf Coast the summers can be brutal. Mid summer days are hot and humid and the rain is usually heavy went we get it.

I suggest looking at native ferns and flowers to get started with. They are from here so you will not have much trouble with them. USDA, DOT and State Universities have online data containing native plant species for most areas.

[rajncajn]

As for plant life, the majority of what I have is native. Katrina took my most prized native azalea though and the only place I can find another like it is on one of the state park nature trails. :(

Actually these gardens are going to be for vegetables only. I now have two planters built as well as a compost bin. The location I picked will get plenty of morning sun all the way up to just past mid-day. Thanks all for the help.