• Mints tolerate shady areas.mint image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
  
  Herbs tend to be known for tolerating full, hot sun, often in dry, trying conditions. But there are a few herbs that tolerate shade, and even some that prefer the cool, moist, protected areas that shady spots offer. Even shade-lovers still need a bit of sun. Full, unbroken shade, such as shade from a wall or overhead impermeable structure, may stunt even the most shade-tolerant herb's growth.
  
  

Mints

• Mints are extremely shade-tolerant.ginger mint image by hazel proudlove from Fotolia.com
  
  Catnip, catmint, spearmint and peppermint all thrive in full to partial shade. The more sun they get, the more leaves you'll have for harvesting. However, this is rarely a concern, since mints often spread and grow rapidly no matter their light exposure.
  
  

Basil Varieties

• Basil doesn't as strong a flavor when grown in shade.healthy basil image by Rebecca Capell from Fotolia.com
  
  Basil doesn't get as strong a flavor in partial shade, but may grow if only given late afternoon dappled shade. There are many different varieties of basil, and some may tolerate shade better than others. Unfortunately, the variety of shade tolerance is rarely noted for basils, only their preference for full sun.
  
  

Bay

• Bay leaves can be harvested from a bay tree grown in partial shade.bay leaves image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
  
  Bay can grow naturally as an understory tree at the edge of a stand of trees. This is one of the reasons it will tolerate partial shade in your garden. Avoid giving it full shade or solid shade from a wall, since this may encourage the bay tree to bend towards light.
  
  

Chives

• Chives won't bloom as much in shade.chives image by Michael Cornelius from Fotolia.com
  
  Chives will tolerate many different growing conditions. In the shade, they may bloom little to not at all, but that doesn't stop their long, fragrant shoots from producing their flavor.
  
  

Lemon Balm

• Lemon balm is mint-like in its shade tolerance.subtle verdancy lemon balm image by ewa kubicka from Fotolia.com
  
  Lemon balm seems to do equally well in sun or shade, resembling mints in their shade tolerance. The plant tends to stay compact despite the shade, and continues to produce a heady scent. Blooms may be slightly fewer in the shade, but the leaves are just as flavorful.