Sidebar: Sun Calculators

sun-path

Tracking the Sun’s position over your property helps to determine how much sun or shade there is during the day and where the sun and shade are on your property during the day.

You can track the sun by drawing a map of your property, then observing where the sun is in the sky at intervals such as 9:00 am 11:00 am, noon, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, etc.  Then mark the areas on your map to show where the sun hits the ground and where shadows/shady areas show at each of those intervals.  You’ll then have a very good idea of where to plant depending on sun/shade needs.  Its a bit time consuming, but its worth it if you’re not sure where to plant.

If you don’t want to take the time to map out your sun/shade areas, here are a couple of sun calculators that will at least show you the sun position, sun rays and shadows for your property on any particular date and time that you select.  At the very least,  you’ll be able to determine where your early morning and afternoon sun are likely to hit.  Play around with them; it’s kind of fun.

Sun Net Calculator

SunEarthTools