How To Tell If Your Garden Is South Facing

Figuring out how to tell if your garden is south facing is one of the most important first steps for any gardener. It sets the stage for everything you’ll grow. This simple guide will help you understand sun direction and its impact on your plants.

Sunlight is your garden’s engine. The amount and intensity of light your space gets directly determines what will thrive there. A south-facing garden in the Northern Hemisphere gets the most sun, while north-facing ones are shadier. Getting this right saves you time, money, and disappointment.

Let’s break down the simple methods you can use, even without a compass. The key is observing the sun’s path and understanding your home’s layout.

Method 1: The No-Tools, Observation Method

This is the easiest way to start. You just need to pay attention at key times of day.

Morning Sun: Stand in your garden in the morning (around 9-10 AM). If the back of your house is brightly lit, your garden likely faces east. East-facing gardens get strong morning sun but cooler afternoon shade.
Afternoon & Evening Sun: Check again in the middle of the afternoon (2-4 PM). If your garden is flooded with warm, bright light at this time, it probably faces west. West-facing gardens get intense, sometimes harsh, afternoon and evening sun.
All-Day Sun: If your garden recieves consistent, direct sunlight from mid-morning right through until late afternoon, it is almost certainly south-facing. This is the goldilocks zone for sun-loving plants.

Method 2: Using a Compass (The Most Accurate Way)

For a definitive answer, use a compass. You can use a physical one, or the compass app on your smartphone.

Stand with your back against the rear wall of your house, looking out into your garden.
Hold your compass flat and steady, allowing the needle to settle.
Read the direction that you are facing. This is your garden’s primary aspect.
- South (157.5° to 202.5°): Full sun most of the day.
- South-East or South-West: Excellent sun, often for three-quarters of the day.
- East (67.5° to 112.5°): Morning sun, afternoon shade.
- West (247.5° to 292.5°): Afternoon and evening sun.
- North (337.5° to 22.5°): Mostly shade or very weak light.

Method 3: Using Online Maps and Tools

Technology offers a fantastic bird’s-eye view. Google Maps or Google Earth can show you your property’s orientation.

Find your home on the satellite view. The top of the map is typically North.
See which direction your backyard extends from your house. If it extends toward the bottom of the map (South), you have a south-facing garden.
There are also specific sun-calulator apps that use your location and 3D modeling to show sun paths over your property throughout the year.

Why Garden Aspect Matters So Much

Knowing your aspect isn’t just a technicality; it’s the foundation of garden planning. The sun’s angle changes with the seasons, and a south-facing garden captures the most of it.

Summer: The sun is high, providing long hours of intense light. Heat-loving plants like tomatoes, peppers, and lavender will excel.
Winter: The sun is low in the sky. A south-facing garden will still capture valuable weak sunlight, which can be crucial for evergreen plants and warming the soil earlier in spring.

Getting this wrong means you might plant a shade-loving hosta in a blazing hot spot, where it will scorch. Or you’ll wonder why your sunflowers are leggy and struggling—they’re probably in too much shade.

Planting for Your Garden’s Aspect

Once you know your aspect, you can choose plants that are perfectly suited. Here’s a quick guide.

For South-Facing Gardens (Full Sun)

You have the most options! Focus on plants that need 6+ hours of direct sun.

Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, beans, corn.
Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, lavender.
Flowers: Sunflowers, lavender, salvia, geraniums, cosmos.

Remember, south-facing gardens can dry out fast. Mulching and regular watering are key.

For North-Facing Gardens (Mostly Shade)

Don’t despair! Many beautiful plants prefer cooler, shady conditions.

Foliage Plants: Hostas, ferns, heucheras, ivy.
Flowers: Astilbe, bleeding heart, foxgloves, hellebores.
Vegetables: Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.

For East or West-Facing Gardens (Partial Sun)

These are versatile aspects. East gets gentle morning sun, west gets stronger afternoon sun.

East-facing: Great for plants that like sun but not scorching heat. Think rhododendrons, azaleas, and many fruit bushes.
West-facing: Can be hot. Choose plants that handle afternoon intensity, like daylilies, sedum, or certain roses. You might need to water more frequently than an east-facing plot.

Common Challenges and Simple Solutions

Every aspect has its quirks. Here’s how to handle them.

South-Facing: Too Much Heat

Intense summer sun can stress some plants and dry soil rapidly.

Use a thick layer of organic mulch (like wood chips) to retain soil moisture.
Water deeply in the early morning so plants are hydrated for the day.
Consider adding a lattice or planting a small deciduous tree for dappled afternoon shade.

North-Facing: Not Enough Light

The main challenge is encouraging growth and flowering.

Use light-colored surfaces (pale paving, white walls) to reflect avalable light.
Keep shady areas free of overhanging branches to maximize sky light.
Choose plants specifically labeled for full or partial shade; don’t try to force sun-lovers to grow here.

Microclimates: The Local Exceptions

Your garden might have small areas that differ from the overall aspect. A sunny south-facing wall creates a warm microclimate. A north-facing corner next to a shed will be extra shady and damp. Observe these spots and plant accordingly—they can be opportunities!

Seasonal Changes and Your Aspect

The sun’s path isn’t static. In summer, it rises in the northeast and sets in the northwest, giving long days. In winter, it rises in the southeast and sets in the southwest, with a much lower arc.

This means a south-facing garden’s advantage is greatest in winter and spring, capturing precious light. An east-facing garden might get good sun in summer morning but be in deep shadow during winter. Take note of these changes when planning for year-round interest.

FAQ: Your Sun Direction Questions Answered

How can I tell if my garden is south facing without a compass?

Use the observation method described above. Check where the sun is in the morning versus the afternoon. Consistent, all-day sun from late morning onward usually indicates a south-facing aspect.

Is a south-facing garden always the best?

It’s best for the widest range of plants, especially those needing full sun. However, if you love shade plants or have a very hot climate, a north or east-facing garden might be easier to manage and more suitable for your prefered plants.

What’s the difference between south-facing and north-facing?

In the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing gets the most direct sun. North-facing gets the least, remaining mostly in shade. The opposite is true in the Southern Hemisphere.

My garden gets sun but not all day. What is it?

It’s likely east-facing (morning sun) or west-facing (afternoon sun). Use the compass method at the time when the sun is on your garden to be sure.

Can I change my garden’s aspect?

You cannot change the fundamental direction. But you can modify its effects. Use mirrors or white paint to brighten a north garden. Use shade cloth or plant trees to cool a south garden. You work with what you have.

Taking the time to figure out your garden’s aspect is the smartest first investment you can make. It takes the guesswork out of plant shopping and saves you from the frustration of plants failing to thrive. With this simple sun direction guide, you’re equipped to make informed choices and create a garden that works in harmony with it’s natural conditions. Grab a compass, spend a day observing the light, and your garden will thank you for it.