If you’re eager to enjoy homegrown produce without the long wait, fast-growing vegetables are the way to go! From leafy greens ready in weeks to root crops that mature quickly, these 20 vegetables will fill your garden – and your plate – in no time.
Radishes
Known for their quick growth, radishes are often the choice for gardeners seeking immediate results. Within just three to four weeks, these peppery roots are ready to grace your salads. Radishes thrive in cooler weather, making them an ideal choice for both spring and fall planting. They require minimal space and can even be grown in containers, perfect for those with limited yard area. Ensure they receive ample sunlight and consistent watering for optimal growth. To add variety, experiment with different types like the classic red or the elongated French radish.
Leaf Lettuce
Leaf lettuce offers a continuous harvest, making it a staple for salads. Typically, these greens mature within 30 to 40 days, providing a steady supply of fresh, crisp leaves. Lettuce prefers cooler temperatures, so planting early in the spring or later in the summer is recommended. Ensure regular watering to keep the leaves tender and prevent them from becoming bitter. By harvesting the outer leaves first, you encourage ongoing growth for future salads. Consider mixing different varieties for a colorful, nutritious addition to your meals.
Spinach
Spinach is a versatile, nutrient-packed green that grows swiftly, often ready within 4 to 6 weeks. It’s ideal for early spring or fall planting due to its preference for cooler climates. The leaves can be harvested multiple times, providing a continuous source of fresh produce. Consistent moisture and well-drained soil are crucial for healthy spinach growth. Incorporate it into salads, smoothies, or cooked dishes to enjoy its mild, earthy flavor. Spinach is not only tasty but also rich in vitamins, making it a valuable addition to any garden.
Arugula
Arugula, with its distinctive peppery flavor, adds zest to salads and sandwiches. Ready for harvest in as little as 3 weeks, it’s a quick and satisfying grower. This leafy green thrives in cooler weather, benefiting from early spring or late summer sowing. To keep the leaves tender, ensure they receive consistent watering and partial shade during hotter days. Arugula is perfect for container gardening, fitting well in small spaces. Its rapid growth and unique taste make it a favorite among home gardeners seeking variety and flavor.
Turnips
Turnips provide a dual-purpose harvest, offering both edible roots and greens. These versatile vegetables are ready to pick within 30 to 60 days. They thrive in cooler weather, making them suitable for spring and autumn gardening. Both the roots and greens are nutrient-rich, suitable for salads, soups, and roasted dishes. Ensure they are planted in well-drained soil and receive regular watering. The quick growth and dual yield make turnips a practical choice for any gardener looking to maximize their harvest with minimal effort.
Kale
Kale is a hardy green that grows quickly, often ready to harvest within 50 to 65 days. Known for its resilience in cooler temperatures, it’s perfect for fall and winter gardens. The leaves are packed with nutrients, making them a staple in healthy diets. Regular harvesting of the outer leaves encourages continuous growth, providing a steady supply of fresh greens. Kale thrives in well-drained soil with consistent watering. Its versatility extends from salads to smoothies, ensuring it’s a valuable addition to your garden and kitchen alike.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is not only fast-growing but also visually striking with its colorful stems. Typically ready within 50 to 60 days, it offers a continuous harvest if picked regularly. This leafy green thrives in warm weather and can tolerate some shade, making it versatile in various garden settings. Its slightly bitter taste adds depth to salads and cooked dishes alike. Ensure consistent watering to keep the plants healthy and productive. Swiss chard’s vibrant appearance and nutritional benefits make it an attractive choice for any home gardener.
Bush Beans
Bush beans are an excellent pick for those seeking a prolific harvest, ready within 50 to 60 days. Unlike pole beans, they don’t require support, making them easier to manage in small spaces. These beans thrive in warm weather and well-drained soil, ensuring a bumper crop with minimal upkeep. Regular picking encourages new growth, extending the harvest season. Whether eaten fresh, sautéed, or preserved, bush beans offer versatility in the kitchen. Their low maintenance and high yield make them a gardener’s favorite for quick results.
Beets
Beets are a dual-purpose vegetable, providing both roots and greens. They mature within 50 to 70 days, thriving in cool weather. The roots bring a sweet, earthy flavor to dishes, while the greens offer a nutritious addition to salads. Beets prefer well-drained soil and consistent moisture for optimal growth. Their vibrant color adds appeal to any meal, either roasted or pickled. Regular harvesting of the greens encourages ongoing growth, maximizing your garden’s output. Beets’ dual yield and rich flavor make them a valuable addition to home gardens.
Zucchini
Zucchini is known for its rapid growth and high yield, often producing fruit within 50 to 65 days. This summer squash thrives in warm climates with plenty of sunlight. Regular harvesting of the fruit encourages further production, making it a bountiful choice for gardeners. Ensure they receive consistent watering and are planted in well-drained soil to prevent rot. Zucchini can be enjoyed in numerous dishes, from grilled slices to baked goods. Its versatility and prolific nature make it a staple in summer gardens, providing continuous harvests.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens bring a spicy kick to salads and stir-fries, ready for harvest in just 30 to 40 days. These greens thrive in cooler weather, ideal for spring or fall planting. Plant them in well-drained soil with regular watering to maintain their crisp texture and robust flavor. Regularly picking the outer leaves promotes continuous growth, ensuring a steady supply. Mustard greens are not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients, making them a smart addition to your gardening repertoire. Their quick growth and distinctive taste make them a favorite.
Carrots
Carrots are a classic garden staple, ready for harvest in 60 to 80 days. They thrive in cooler weather and sandy, well-drained soil. With their sweet, earthy flavor, carrots are perfect for both snacking and cooking. Ensure they are spaced properly to avoid overcrowding, which can hinder growth. Carrots’ vibrant color and nutritious benefits make them a favorite for gardeners. Regular thinning and watering will promote healthy roots, ensuring a bountiful harvest. Their versatility in the kitchen adds to their appeal, making them a must-have in any garden.
Peas
Peas are an early spring favorite, ready within 60 to 70 days. These cool-weather lovers thrive in well-drained soil, offering a sweet burst of flavor. Peas can be sown directly into the ground as soon as the soil is workable in spring. Regular harvesting encourages more pods to form, extending the season. Their climbing nature means they benefit from support, maximizing space in smaller gardens. Peas are delicious fresh, cooked, or even frozen, making them a versatile crop. Their rapid growth and delightful taste make them rewarding to grow.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a refreshing addition to any summer garden, maturing within 50 to 70 days. These vines thrive in warm weather with lots of sunlight. Support them with a trellis to save space and promote healthy growth. Consistent watering and well-drained soil are key for crisp, juicy cucumbers. Regular picking encourages ongoing production, ensuring a steady supply. Cucumbers are perfect for salads, pickling, or as a cool snack. Their fast growth and high yield make them a favored choice for gardeners seeking quick results.
Bok Choy
Bok Choy is a fast-growing, nutrient-rich vegetable ready in just 45 to 60 days. This Asian green thrives in cooler temperatures, ideal for spring or autumn planting. It prefers well-drained soil and consistent moisture for tender, flavorful leaves. Harvesting the outer leaves or the entire plant encourages new growth. Bok Choy’s mild flavor and crisp texture make it perfect for stir-fries, soups, and salads. Its quick growth and versatility in the kitchen make it a valuable addition to any garden, providing nutritious meals in no time.
Collard Greens
Collard greens are a resilient choice, ready for harvest in 60 to 75 days. These greens prefer cooler temperatures and are perfect for fall and winter gardens. Collards thrive in well-drained soil with consistent watering, resulting in tender, flavorful leaves. Regular harvesting of the outer leaves encourages continuous growth. Packed with nutrients, collard greens are excellent for sautés and soups. Their ability to withstand frost makes them a reliable crop for extended harvests. Collard greens’ robust flavor and nutritional benefits make them a staple in many gardens.
Green Onions
Green onions, or scallions, are a quick-growing option ready in as little as 20 to 30 days. These versatile alliums thrive in well-drained soil and full sun. They are perfect for adding a mild onion flavor to a variety of dishes. Green onions are compact, making them suitable for small spaces or containers. Regular harvesting of the green tops encourages regrowth, providing a continuous supply. Their ease of growth and adaptability make them a favorite for gardeners looking to add a fresh, flavorful element to their gardens.
Broccoli Raab
Broccoli raab, also known as rapini, is a fast-growing vegetable, ready within 40 to 55 days. It thrives in cooler weather, making it ideal for early spring or fall planting. This plant requires well-drained soil and consistent moisture for optimum growth. Harvest the florets and leafy shoots when they’re tender for the best flavor. Broccoli raab’s slightly bitter taste adds depth to pasta and stir-fry dishes. Its quick maturity and unique flavor make it a popular choice for home gardeners seeking something different and nutritious.
Pak Choi
Pak choi, a versatile Asian green, is typically ready in 30 to 45 days. This cool-weather crop thrives in spring and fall, preferring rich, well-drained soil. Regular watering and partial shade ensure tender, flavorful leaves. Harvesting individual leaves or the entire plant encourages new growth and extends the harvest. Pak choi’s mild taste is perfect for stir-fries and soups. Its quick growth and adaptability make it a valuable addition to any garden. Enjoy fresh, home-grown ingredients in your culinary creations with ease.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a rewarding crop, ready for harvest in about 55 to 100 days, depending on the variety. It prefers cooler conditions and well-drained soil. Regular watering and protection from intense sun help produce firm, white heads. Harvest when heads are compact and firm for the best flavor. Cauliflower can be used in a variety of dishes, from roasted sides to creamy soups. Its versatility in the kitchen and nutritional benefits make it a sought-after vegetable for gardeners. Consistent care ensures a satisfying and productive harvest.