Think it’s too late to plant something new? Think again. Whether you’ve just cleared out a garden bed or want to squeeze in one last container project, there are still plenty of fast-growing plants that will reward you with fresh greens, blooms, or harvests—even if you’re starting mid-month. You don’t need a full season to enjoy new growth.
These quick-start favorites are perfect for late starters, balcony gardeners, and anyone who doesn’t want to wait months to see results. Some will offer edible rewards in just a few weeks, while others will fill empty spots with vibrant life by the time summer’s in full swing. And the best part? Many of them are low-fuss and easy enough for beginners.
Below, discover 18 fast-growing plants you can still plant this month—whether you’ve got garden beds, pots, or just a sunny windowsill.
Radishes
A gardener’s favorite for quick results, radishes can sprout in as little as three days. These little roots are perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their diet. Their peppery taste adds zest to salads and sandwiches. With so many varieties, there’s a radish for every palate. Plus, they’re a great way to introduce children to the joys of vegetable gardening. Radishes thrive in cool weather, making them ideal for a fall planting. Just a small space in your garden is enough to start seeing those bright red globes peeking through.
Lettuce
Lettuce is not only fast-growing but also versatile in the kitchen. Known for its rapid growth, you can enjoy fresh leaves in just a few weeks. From crisp romaine to tender butterhead, the varieties are endless. Lettuce prefers cooler temperatures, making it perfect for fall gardens. Its subtle flavor complements a variety of dishes, and it’s a staple in salads. Growing lettuce at home ensures a pesticide-free salad bowl. Plus, its quick turnover means you’ll continuously have fresh greens at your fingertips.
Spinach
For those who love nutrition-packed greens, spinach is a hero. It’s renowned for its robust growth and can be harvested in as little as 30 days. Spinach thrives in cooler weather, making it ideal for fall planting. Rich in iron and vitamins, it’s a powerhouse of health benefits. Perfect for salads, smoothies, and a variety of dishes, it’s a versatile kitchen favorite. Even in small spaces, spinach will flourish, offering a bountiful harvest. Its tender leaves are a delightful addition to any meal.
Arugula
Arugula, with its peppery bite, is a must-have for salad enthusiasts. It grows vigorously, often ready to harvest in just a few weeks. This leafy green adds a unique flavor to your meals and thrives in cooler temperatures. Arugula’s distinct taste complements sweet fruits and tangy dressings, making it a favorite among chefs. It’s an easy grower, even in containers or small garden spaces. A quick snip will give you fresh leaves, and it continues producing with regular harvesting.
Mustard Greens
For those craving a spicy kick, mustard greens are the answer. Known for their rapid growth and peppery flavor, they can be ready in just a few weeks. Perfect for stir-fries and salads, these greens add a punch of flavor. They thrive in cooler weather and are surprisingly hardy. Mustard greens are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K. Their vibrant green leaves are a striking addition to gardens, making them both a culinary and visual delight.
Kale
Kale has taken the culinary world by storm. Revered for its nutrient-packed leaves, it’s also a garden star due to its quick growth. In just a few weeks, you can start harvesting its curly, robust leaves. Kale is versatile, great in salads, soups, and even smoothies. It thrives in cooler climates, making fall the perfect time to plant it. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it’s a health-conscious choice. Its resilience to frost makes it a reliable garden staple well into the colder months.
Swiss Chard
A rainbow of colors characterizes Swiss chard, with its vibrant stems and lush leaves. Known for its rapid growth, it’s a favorite among home gardeners. In just a few weeks, you can enjoy its nutritious leaves. Swiss chard is a versatile ingredient, perfect in soups, stir-fries, and salads. It continues to produce as you harvest, offering a constant supply. The bold colors add visual appeal to your garden, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Beets
Beets offer dual benefits with both roots and leaves that are edible. Their vibrant color and earthy sweetness make them a culinary favorite. Surprisingly fast-growing, beets can be harvested in about 45 days. The roots add a pop of color to any dish, while the leaves are great in salads. Beets thrive in various climates but prefer cooler weather. They’re also packed with nutrients like folate and manganese. Whether roasted, boiled, or raw, beets bring flavor and nutrition to the table.
Turnips
Turnips are more than just a root vegetable; their greens are also a treat. Known for their rapid growth, they’re a great addition to fall gardens. With a mild yet distinctive flavor, turnips can be harvested in about 60 days. They’re adaptable and grow well in cooler weather. Turnips are a versatile ingredient, suitable for roasting, mashing, or adding to soups. Their greens can be cooked or used fresh in salads, offering a double harvest. A traditional staple, they bring both history and nutrition to the kitchen.
Carrots
Carrots offer a sweet crunch that’s ready surprisingly swiftly. Although they take a bit longer than some greens, their rewards are worth it. Within two months, you can start snacking on these tasty roots. Carrots thrive in cooler weather, making them perfect for autumn sowing. They come in a range of colors, from traditional orange to purple and yellow, adding diversity to your garden. Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, promoting eye health. A simple garden staple, they’re a favorite among both kids and adults.
Bok Choy
Bok choy, or Chinese cabbage, is a staple in Asian cuisine, celebrated for its quick growth and versatility. Within a month, you can begin harvesting this leafy vegetable. Bok choy thrives in cooler temperatures, making it ideal for fall gardens. Its crisp texture and mild flavor make it a versatile addition to stir-fries, soups, and salads. Rich in vitamins A and C, it’s a nutritious choice for health-conscious gardeners. Easy to grow and maintain, bok choy is perfect for those new to vegetable gardening.
Cilantro
Cilantro brings a burst of flavor that’s unmistakable and cherished in many dishes. Known for its feathery leaves and distinct aroma, it’s a fast-growing herb. Within three to four weeks, you can start plucking fresh cilantro leaves. It thrives in cooler weather, making it a top choice for autumn planting. Cilantro enhances salsas, curries, and salads with its unique taste. Plus, its seeds, known as coriander, are a spice essential in many cuisines. With a short growing cycle, cilantro is a gardener’s delight.
Pak Choi
Pak choi, similar to bok choy, is a versatile green that flourishes in cooler weather. Its crisp, juicy stems and tender leaves make it a culinary favorite. Ready to harvest in just 30 days, it’s an excellent choice for quick results. Pak choi is perfect for stir-fries, soups, and salads, adding a fresh crunch to dishes. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your garden. With minimal care, pak choi offers a rewarding harvest, brightening your plate with its vibrant greenery.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are not just a visual delight but also an edible wonder. Known for their rapid growth and vibrant flowers, they bring color to any garden. The flowers and leaves have a peppery taste, perfect for salads. Nasturtiums are easy to grow, thriving in poor soils and requiring minimal care. They can be harvested in about 30 days, making them a quick and rewarding choice. Besides their culinary uses, nasturtiums also act as companion plants, deterring pests. A beautiful and functional addition to gardens.
Basil
Basil is a beloved herb, cherished for its aromatic leaves and culinary versatility. It grows swiftly, especially in warm conditions, and can be harvested in about 30 days. Basil is a staple in Italian dishes, its fragrant leaves enhancing pastas, pizzas, and salads. While it prefers sunny spots, basil can thrive indoors on a windowsill. Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth, providing a continuous supply. Its rich aroma and lush foliage make basil a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike.
Green Onions
Green onions, or scallions, offer a mild onion flavor with a quick turnaround. They’re ready for harvesting in just 30 days, a boon for impatient gardeners. These slender greens thrive in cooler temperatures, making them ideal for fall planting. Green onions are versatile, perfect for garnishing dishes or adding a subtle kick to salads and stir-fries. Even in small spaces, they flourish, making them suitable for pots or window boxes. Their rapid growth and ease of care make them a staple in any kitchen garden.
Dill
Dill is a fragrant herb that’s easy to grow, offering culinary uses and garden beauty. Known for its quick growth, dill can be harvested within 30 days. Its feathery leaves add a unique flavor to pickles, salads, and fish dishes. Dill thrives in cooler temperatures, making it an excellent choice for fall. Apart from its culinary appeal, dill attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs. A must-have for herb enthusiasts, dill adds a touch of elegance to gardens with its delicate fronds.
Cress
Cress, often grown for its peppery leaves, offers a swift harvest in just two weeks. This fast-growing green thrives in cooler climates, making it perfect for autumn planting. Its distinct taste adds a punch to salads, sandwiches, and soups. Cress can be grown in small spaces, even on a windowsill, making it accessible for urban gardeners. With its rapid growth and minimal care requirements, cress is a fantastic option for those seeking quick results. Its delicate leaves bring both flavor and freshness to meals.