How to gauge part vs full sun

[AmeliaBedelia]

This is likely a very dumb question, but what is the best way to gauge which areas are part vs full sun? Most of my land is shaded at least a bit of the day (no huge open fields), and I have a hard time remembering what is in the sun at which point in the day and for how long. Any tips? I want to plant two blueberry bushes this week, and don't want to pick a bad spot, but I also don't want to put them smack in the middle of the front yard.

Do I just need to set the pots in trial locations and set hourly alarms to remind me to check on them? Or is there an easier way? And does morning vs afternoon sun "count" more?

 

[chickentrains]

The alarm works well. I did that to find out where the sun was in the yard at what points during the day. running a security cam in the area you want to plant will also record the sun, and the time of day,

 

[Acre4Me]

I’ve always read that “full sun” is at least 6 hours full sun per day. So some shade can be fine.

of course, some plants do better with longer periods of full sun. Some need some sun protection (shade cloth, for example) in high sun intensity areas, even if they love sun.

so, those ratings have to do with getting good/average results. Plant will grow and not die and produce at least some of what it is supposed to.

 

[Acre4Me]

Don’t forget that the angleof the sun will vary too, throughout the year.

in re-reading your post, I’d recommend to set an alarm to see where sun is at through the day. Can you make a map of your yard, make copies then every hour use highlighter to mark where it is either shady or sunny? Either hand draw your map or use google maps or google earth to zoom in, and print your area. You would be able to see more definitely what you have to work with.

 

[AmeliaBedelia]

A map is a good idea! That was part of my concern - having to "test" spots individually over multiple days to find a good one.

 

[Sally PB]

One more wrinkle... as the season progresses, trees and bushes will leaf out and cast more shade. I think my daffodils wouldn't do as well in their spot if they bloomed a month later. Right now they get plenty of daylight. When the mature oak trees above leaf out, they are in full shade.

You can also take lots of pictures with your cell phone too. Mark a spot to stand so that you take the picture from the same angle each time.