Measuring Sunlight in the Garden with Light Meters

Accurately assessing sun exposure is crucial for plant selection. While daily observation works, tools like the SunCalc meter (lusterleaf.com) give a simple day-long reading. For precision, the LightScout (specmeters.com) measures photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) over 24 hours—the light plants actually use. These devices eliminate guesswork, especially in tricky spots like dappled shade or north-facing walls. Invest in a meter if you're designing beds or troubleshooting poor performance.