Fix the point before counting
Observe at the height and exact position of future leaves. A balcony overhang, fence, tree, neighbouring building or crop row can change exposure within a few metres.
Count direct sunlight only
Record intervals when direct sun reaches the point and forms a clear shadow. Bright sky, reflected snow or glass and long daylight do not equal continuous direct sun.
Add separate intervals instead of treating morning and evening brightness as one block.
Repeat during the actual season
Sun angle, deciduous leaves, snow, new structures, shade material and the crop canopy change exposure. Repeat after a meaningful seasonal or site change.
Use a conservative band
One clear day or phone reading does not establish a permanent threshold. If the result lies near a planner boundary, choose the lower band and observe the plant response.
Sources, scope and limits
Sources support the stated context. They do not turn a broad guide into individualized advice or transfer rights to reproduce the original material.
Canada English home food garden editorial synthesis — version 1
Global Garden Planner
Original eight-profile model, planting bands and en-CA corpus. It remains an editorial draft until independent Canadian agronomic review is recorded.
Assessing sunlight
Gardening at USask, University of Saskatchewan
Supports direct observation of sun at the final position. Project crop thresholds and guide wording remain original editorial values pending review.
Canadian Climate Normals 1991–2020
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Supports distinguishing climate averages from a current forecast and recognizing large local variation. The package does not ingest ECCC data or derive month bands from station values.