Count sun at the final planting position
Choose the exact spot where the foliage will sit. Observe whether direct sunlight reaches the plant, not whether the sky looks bright. Glass, screens, eaves, neighbouring buildings and trees can create sharp differences over a short distance.
Mark the start and end of each direct-sun interval. Add the intervals rather than rounding from one glance. A few short checks across the day are more useful than a single photograph at noon.
Repeat when the season changes
The sun path changes through the year and deciduous shade changes with it. A north-facing area may receive strong winter sun but become extremely hot in summer; a lower winter sun can also reach beneath an eave that blocks it in summer.
Measure again after moving the pot, adding shade cloth, changing a screen or when a nearby tree or building alters the view of the sky.
Separate light from heat load
Hours of direct sun do not describe temperature. Paving, glass and west-facing walls can add reflected and stored heat. Wind can either cool leaves or increase water loss. Record these effects separately instead of changing the measured sun number.
If leaves scorch or pots overheat, first confirm water, root health and recent weather. Temporary afternoon protection may be appropriate, but permanent deep shade can create a different limitation.
Use a range, not false precision
The planner uses broad bands because clouds, season and moving shade make a minute-by-minute figure unstable. Enter the band that describes typical direct sun during the intended growing period, then read the crop caution for your climate profile.
- Do not count bright shade as direct sun.
- Do not average a summer observation with a winter one.
- Do not infer temperature or watering frequency from sun hours alone.
- Recheck after any material change to the site.
Sources, scope and limits
The references below support specific foundations, not the entire protocol or the same result in every climate. The synthesis is editorial guidance and no independent agronomic review is claimed.
Australian home food garden editorial synthesis — version 1
Original synthesis for broad Australian profiles. It remains editorial draft until independent agronomic review is recorded.
Australian climate zones
Supports the broad distinction between tropical, subtropical, arid and temperate conditions and the role of relief and ocean influence.
Waterwise gardening
Supports soil improvement, mulching, efficient irrigation, wind protection and grouping plants with similar water needs; not a fixed watering schedule.