Just because it’s mid-summer doesn’t mean it’s too late to plant something new. In fact, July and early August are great times to sow fast-growing crops that will reward you with a fresh late-season harvest just as the weather begins to cool.
These 14 delicious plants are perfect for second-round planting, offering everything from leafy greens to crisp roots and even a few heat-tolerant favorites. Many of them mature quickly, thrive in warm soil, and are ready to pick by early fall or even sooner.
If you’ve got empty space in your garden, pots on your balcony, or just the itch to grow something new before summer ends, these picks are ideal. Think of it as bonus gardening—with big flavor payoffs later.
Radishes
Ever thought of radishes as a speedy late-season snack? These root veggies mature in just 30 days, offering a quick reward for your efforts. Sow them now for a peppery taste that adds zing to salads and snacks. Their rapid growth means you can plant them multiple times before the first frost. Radishes thrive in cool weather, making them perfect for a late harvest. With a spectrum of colors and flavors, they bring visual and culinary interest to your garden and table. Enjoy them raw, pickled, or roasted for a delightful twist.
Leaf Lettuce
Leaf lettuce is the unsung hero of mid-summer planting, growing well even as temperatures rise. Its ability to mature quickly means you’ll have fresh, crisp leaves in no time. Whether you prefer butterhead or loose-leaf varieties, lettuce offers a versatile base for salads and wraps. Ideal for container gardening, it doesn’t require much space to flourish. Enjoy a continuous harvest by picking outer leaves as they grow. As the days shorten, your garden will still yield this leafy green gem, bringing freshness to your meals.
Bush Beans
Imagine savoring fresh, crunchy beans long after the summer solstice. Bush beans deliver just that, thriving in warm soil and producing abundantly. These compact plants are ideal for smaller gardens and produce beans ready to harvest in about 50 days. They fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting future crops. With minimal care, they offer a bounty of nutrients and flavor. Stir-fry, steam, or enjoy them raw; either way, their crisp texture and taste make them a favorite among gardeners and culinary enthusiasts alike.
Beets
Beets aren’t just for the spring garden; they thrive in summer too. These robust roots develop sweet, earthy flavors when planted mid-season. Their dual-purpose nature means you can enjoy both greens and roots. Beets mature in about 60 days, making them perfect for a late harvest. Whether you roast them, blend into smoothies, or pickle them, beets add color and nutrition to meals. Plant them now, and you’ll have a versatile crop that delights in various culinary applications, from salads to sides.
Swiss Chard
This leafy green stands out with its vibrant hues and nutritional prowess. Swiss chard is a resilient plant that grows well in the heat of summer. Its colorful stalks and broad leaves are not only a feast for the eyes but also the palate. Rich in vitamins and minerals, chard can be sautéed, added to soups, or eaten raw. Mid-summer planting ensures a plentiful harvest, even as temperatures drop. This versatile veggie is a must-have for any garden, offering both aesthetic appeal and health benefits.
Carrots
Carrots offer a satisfying crunch and sweetness when planted during the warm days of mid-summer. These root vegetables thrive in well-drained soil and can be harvested after about 70 days. Their vibrant color and unique flavor make them a staple in kitchens around the world. Sow seeds directly into your garden for best results. With proper care, you’ll enjoy a late-season harvest that brightens up stews, salads, and snacks. Carrots are a versatile addition to any garden, worth the effort for their delicious reward.
Spinach
Spinach may seem like a spring star, but it shines just as brightly when planted in mid-summer. This fast-growing green is ready for harvest in about 45 days and thrives as temperatures cool. Spinach’s tender leaves add a nutritious punch to salads and cooked dishes alike. Plant it now, and you’ll enjoy a series of harvests throughout the fall. Its resilience and rapid growth make spinach an excellent choice for gardeners seeking quick and tasty results. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and minerals.
Kale
Kale’s reputation as a nutritional powerhouse is well-earned, and mid-summer planting sets the stage for a bountiful autumn crop. This hardy green grows well in various conditions and sweetens after the first frost. Its versatility in the kitchen, from smoothies to chips to salads, makes it a favorite. Kale’s robust leaves are not only nutritious but also add texture to dishes. Planting it now ensures a continuous supply of this superfood, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, to grace your table.
Arugula
Arugula’s peppery bite invigorates dishes, making it a must-have for any late-season harvest. Known for its quick growth, this leafy green can be ready in just 30 days. It thrives in cooler temperatures, so planting in mid-summer is ideal. Enjoy it in salads, as a pizza topping, or blended into pestos. The distinct flavor of arugula adds a gourmet touch to meals, and its nutritional benefits are a bonus. Add this to your garden for a fresh and spicy green that complements a variety of dishes.
Turnips
Turnips bring a touch of nostalgia, often associated with comfort food. Their dual-purpose nature allows you to enjoy both roots and greens. Plant them in mid-summer for a fall harvest, as they mature in about 60 days. Turnips thrive in cooler temperatures, developing a sweet and mild flavor. Whether roasted, mashed, or added to stews, they offer versatility in the kitchen. Plant turnips now to enjoy a traditional vegetable with a modern twist, adding warmth and depth to your autumn meals.
Collard Greens
Collard greens, with their rich flavor and sturdy leaves, are a southern staple worth planting in mid-summer. These greens thrive in the heat and become more flavorful after the first frost. Known for their high nutritional content, collards are often used in soups, stews, and as steamed side dishes. Their growth continues well into the cooler months, providing a consistent harvest. Add collard greens to your garden for a hearty, healthy addition that brings southern charm to your table.
Pak Choi
Pak Choi, also known as bok choy, offers a crisp texture and subtle flavor that enhances stir-fries and soups. This Asian green grows quickly and loves the cooler temperatures of late summer. Its compact size makes it perfect for small gardens or containers. Planting Pak Choi now will give you a fast, nutritious harvest that complements a variety of dishes. Whether used in traditional Asian recipes or modern salads, this green’s adaptability makes it a valuable addition to any garden.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens add a spicy kick to any dish, and their rapid growth makes them ideal for mid-summer planting. Ready in just 30-45 days, these greens thrive as temperatures cool. Their peppery flavor enhances salads, sandwiches, and cooked dishes. Not only do they bring a zesty taste to the table, but they also pack a punch in terms of nutrition. Add mustard greens to your garden now for a fast-growing, flavorful harvest that invigorates meals with a touch of heat and health benefits.