Sun mapping in permaculture offers a plethora of benefits to gardeners; by understanding the sun’s patterns on your property, you can strategically design your garden layout to maximise sunlight exposure for sun-loving crops, while also identifying areas suitable for shade-tolerant plants. This thoughtful approach not only optimises plant growth and yields but also promotes a harmonious and balanced ecosystem. Sun mapping enables you to adapt to varying seasonal changes, make informed decisions about plant placement, and implement shade solutions where needed.
How the sun affects your garden
In the southern hemisphere, the sun affects each side of your house/garden differently due to its position in the sky. Generally, the north-facing side receives more direct sunlight throughout the day, making it warmer and brighter. This side is ideal for sun-loving plants and activities that benefit from more sunlight. Conversely, the south-facing side receives less direct sunlight and may remain cooler and shadier. It is better suited for shade-tolerant plants and activities that don’t require as much sunlight. The east-facing side receives morning sunlight, making it suitable for plants that prefer early sun exposure, while the west-facing side gets afternoon sunlight, making it more appropriate for plants and activities that thrive in the afternoon sun.
Several factors around a property can influence how the sun affects each side in the southern hemisphere:
- Orientation: The cardinal direction your property faces will determine the amount and timing of sunlight on each side.
- Latitude: The location of your property in the southern hemisphere affects the angle at which the sun’s rays hit it, influencing the distribution of sunlight.
- Obstructions: Nearby tall buildings, trees, or mountains can cast shadows, blocking sunlight and altering the sun’s path throughout the day.
- Elevation: Properties at different elevations may experience varying degrees of sunlight exposure due to the sun’s angle in relation to the land.
- Seasonal Changes: The sun’s position in the sky changes with the seasons, impacting the amount and angle of sunlight each side receives.
- Climate: Different regions experience varying cloud cover, which can affect the intensity and duration of sunlight.
- Landscaping: The layout of your garden and placement of trees or structures can either enhance or reduce sunlight exposure on specific sides of your property.
What to plant on each side
In a permaculture garden, the choice of plants to be planted on each side of the property depends on various factors such as the climate, soil type, and sun exposure. However, here are some general guidelines for plant selection based on the sides of the property in the southern hemisphere:
- North-facing side: This side receives the most sunlight throughout the day. Consider planting sun-loving crops and fruit trees that require full sun, such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, citrus trees, and various herbs like basil and rosemary.
- South-facing side: This side receives less direct sunlight and can be cooler and shadier. Opt for shade-tolerant plants like leafy greens (spinach, lettuce), broccoli, cauliflower, and plants like rhubarb that can handle partial shade.
- East-facing side: This side receives morning sunlight, which can be gentle and beneficial for certain plants. Consider planting early-maturing crops like salad greens, strawberries, and cool-season vegetables like peas and radishes.
- West-facing side: This side gets afternoon sunlight, which can be hotter and more intense. Choose heat-tolerant crops like zucchini, melons, pumpkins, and beans that thrive in the warmth of the afternoon sun.
Remember, permaculture gardens aim to create sustainable, resilient ecosystems with interdependent plantings. So, consider incorporating companion planting techniques to enhance biodiversity, attract beneficial insects, and deter pests naturally. Always select plants that are well-suited to your specific microclimate and soil conditions for the best results.
How to start sun mapping
Starting sun mapping on your property as a beginner is a great way to understand the sun’s patterns and plan your gardening accordingly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Observe the Sun’s Path: Spend several days observing the movement of the sun across your property. Note the direction it rises (east) and sets (west) and how its position changes throughout the day.
- Sketch a Rough Layout: Create a rough sketch of your property, marking the cardinal directions (north, south, east, west).
- Divide Your Property: Divide your property into sections based on their orientation and the sun’s movement. Label each section as north-facing, south-facing, east-facing, or west-facing.
- Note Obstructions: Identify any obstructions that might cast shadows, such as buildings, trees, fences, or other structures. Note their location and height.
- Measure Sunlight: For each section, measure how many hours of sunlight it receives during different times of the day (morning, midday, afternoon). You can use a sun-tracking app or a simple sundial to assist with measurements.
- Record Data: Keep a journal or use a digital tool to record your observations and measurements. Note the changes throughout the seasons, as sunlight patterns vary with the time of year.
- Analyze Data: After gathering sufficient data, analyze the information to understand which areas receive the most sunlight and which are shaded.
- Plan Planting: Use the sun mapping data to plan your garden layout. Plant sun-loving crops in the areas with the most sunlight and shade-tolerant plants in shaded areas.
- Implement Shade Solutions: If some areas receive too much sun, consider implementing shade solutions like trellises, shade cloth, or strategically placed trees.
- Adapt and Learn: Continue observing and updating your sun mapping data regularly. As you gain experience, you’ll learn how to make adjustments to optimize your garden’s performance.
