Methods

• When growing tomatoes in partial shade, place them in the sunniest possible part of the garden. Keep cool-weather plants, such as cabbage or turnips, in darker areas. Choose varieties with a low sun requirement, such as Sub Arctic Plenty and Siberian, both developed for use at extreme latitudes with a very short growing season. When possible, clear tree branches and other vegetation to provide as much light as possible. Fertilize and water partial-shade tomato plants carefully, as they may need more nutrition than plants grown in full sun.
  
  

Disadvantages

• Since all tomato varieties prefer full sun, growing in shade reduces yield and produces spindly plants that are slow to fruit. Tomatoes grown in shade direct most of their energy to producing stems and foliage, in an attempt to reach more light. These plants need more staking or caging than plants grown in full sun and may have a much lower fruit yield.
  
  

Alternatives

• When a sunny garden isn't available, consider growing tomatoes in containers instead of in the ground. Containers are portable and can be placed in the sunlight, as it moves in the course of the day. Mobile container tomatoes provide a larger harvest than many shaded tomato plants, since too much shade reduces plant growth and fruit yield. Texas A&M University recommends a 5-gallon container for tomatoes, and smaller varieties, such as Tiny Tim, Pixie and Patio.
  
  

Extreme Temperatures

• In very hot climates, partial shade is necessary for all tomato varieties. While tomato plants prefer warm weather and sunny days, very high temperatures cause blossom drop. Temperatures above 95 degrees F can cause red tomatoes to turn orange, and temperatures above 100 degrees may cause tomatoes to mature slowly. Planting tomatoes where they receive sun early and late in the day but are shaded during the hottest periods reduces these problems. Erecting a nursery shade helps as well but may shade the tomatoes too much.