It’s not too late to plant! With summer in full swing, there’s still time to sow fast-growing vegetables directly into your garden or containers and enjoy a bountiful harvest by August. All you need are the right varieties and a few weeks of warm weather.
In this article, we’ll highlight 17 summer vegetables that thrive when direct sown mid-season, offering quick turnaround from seed to plate. These picks are perfect for gardeners who got a late start, or anyone looking to fill gaps in their beds with productive, heat-loving crops.
Grab your seeds — a fresh wave of summer veggies is just a few weeks away.
Arugula
Arugula brings a peppery punch to salads, making it a favorite among foodies. Known for its rapid growth, it thrives in cooler summer temperatures, maturing in just 20-40 days. Sow seeds directly into the soil for a continuous harvest. Its ability to grow quickly makes it a standout choice for those impatient for garden-fresh greens. Arugula’s pleasant bite adds depth to any dish.
Radishes
Radishes are the sprinters of the vegetable world, ready to harvest in as little as three weeks. Their vibrant red color and crisp texture make them a salad favorite. Direct sowing ensures a bountiful yield with minimal effort. Perfect for beginner gardeners, they offer instant gratification. The spicy kick of radishes is a delightful addition to any meal.
Spinach
Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins and minerals. This leafy green matures quickly and is perfect for salads and smoothies. Direct sowing in well-drained soil ensures healthy growth. Spinach prefers cooler weather, making it ideal for early summer planting. Whether eaten fresh or cooked, its versatility is unmatched.
Lettuce
Lettuce offers a wide range of textures and flavors, from crisp romaine to delicate butterhead. It’s an essential garden staple that grows quickly and provides continuous harvests. Direct sow seeds for the best results, ensuring tender leaves. Ideal for salads, wraps, or garnishes, its freshness elevates any dish.
Bush Beans
Bush beans are compact and efficient, producing a generous harvest in about 50-60 days. They’re perfect for small gardens or container planting. Direct sow these beans to enjoy fresh, crisp pods. Their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil makes them a beneficial addition to any garden ecosystem.
Beets
Beets offer a sweet, earthy flavor and are rich in nutrients. Their colorful roots and greens are both edible, providing versatile culinary options. Direct sowing ensures a hearty crop that matures in about 50-70 days. Beets’ robust growth supports sustainable gardening practices.
Carrots
Carrots are beloved for their sweet taste and crunchy texture. Sowing them directly into the soil allows for strong root development. With a range of colors from orange to purple, they add visual interest to any dish. Carrots’ adaptability makes them a garden favorite.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a refreshing summer vegetable, perfect for salads and pickles. They thrive in warm weather and grow quickly, maturing in about 50-70 days. Direct sowing ensures healthy vine development. Their crisp, hydrating nature is ideal for hot summer days.
Summer Squash
Summer squash, including varieties like zucchini, is a prolific producer. These veggies mature rapidly, often within 40-50 days, making them a garden staple. Their tender texture and mild flavor complement a variety of dishes. Direct sowing guarantees a bountiful harvest.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is not only beautiful but also nutritious, offering a rainbow of stem colors. It grows well in warm climates and provides continuous harvests. Direct sowing fosters robust plant health. Its vibrant leaves are perfect for sautés and salads alike.
Turnips
Turnips are more than just a root vegetable; they’re a garden delight. Quick to mature, they provide both edible greens and roots. Direct sowing in well-drained soil ensures rapid growth. Turnips offer a mild flavor that enhances stews and roasts beautifully.
Kale
Kale is celebrated for its health benefits, including high vitamin content. This hardy green thrives when sown directly into the garden. Its resilience to pests and disease makes it a reliable choice. Kale’s robust leaves add a hearty element to salads and soups.
Pak Choi
Pak Choi, or bok choy, is a staple in Asian cuisine, known for its crisp texture and mild flavor. It’s fast-growing and thrives when direct sown, maturing in about 30-45 days. Its versatility makes it a popular addition to stir-fries and salads.
Collard Greens
Collard greens offer nutrient-rich leaves perfect for cooking. They’re resilient plants that grow well when direct sown. Known for their ability to withstand heat, they thrive in summer gardens. These greens are a southern culinary staple, ideal for hearty dishes.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens bring a spicy zest to dishes, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors. Quick to mature, they thrive in warm temperatures. Direct sowing ensures a plentiful harvest. Their peppery bite is a wonderful addition to salads and sautés.
Peas
Peas are a sweet, satisfying snack straight from the vine. Their fast-growing nature makes them a gardener’s ally. Direct sow seeds to maximize yield. Peas’ ability to fix nitrogen benefits the soil, promoting healthy garden ecosystems.
Bok Choy
Bok choy is renowned for its crunchy texture and subtle flavor, a versatile addition to any garden. It thrives in cooler temperatures and matures rapidly when direct sown. Ideal for stir-fries and soups, bok choy’s tender leaves and stems offer culinary flexibility.