Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of fast-growing vegetables that will have you harvesting in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these speedy growers will provide you with fresh, delicious produce without the long wait.
Fast-growing vegetables are perfect for those who want to see quick results and enjoy homegrown goodness without too much fuss. From peppery arugula to crisp turnips, these plants mature quickly, allowing you to savor their flavors in just a few short weeks. Not only do these veggies grow fast, but they also make great additions to salads, stir-fries, and other dishes. Plus, they’re super easy to grow, making them ideal for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
Let’s explore some of the best fast-growing vegetables that will fill your garden and your plate in no time!
Best Fast-Growing Vegetables
1. Arugula (Eruca vesicaria ssp. sativa)
First up on our list is the zesty and nutritious arugula. This versatile leafy green, also known as rocket, is a favorite among salad lovers for its distinctive peppery flavor. Arugula grows quickly, making it one of the fastest growing vegetables you can plant. In as little as 20-30 days,you can start harvesting its tender leaves, which are perfect for adding a spicy kick to your sandwiches, and pestos.
To grow arugula, plant them in well-draining soil in early spring or late summer. It thrives in cooler weather and can tolerate light frost, making it a great choice for early spring or fall gardens. Plant the seeds about a quarter-inch deep and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Arugula prefers a spot with filtered light or partial shade. Great for container gardening, harvest the leaves when they are young and tender for the best flavor. With a continual harvest, you’ll have fresh arugula all season long.
2. Turnips (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa)
Turnips are another fantastic option for vegetables that grow fast. Both the roots and the greens of turnips are edible and delicious. Turnip greens, in particular, are packed with nutrients and can be harvested even before the roots are fully mature. In about 30-50 days, you can start harvesting the greens, and the roots will be ready shortly after.
They are like the gift that keeps on giving, ready to harvest just 40 to 55 days after planting! If you’re eyeing those tasty greens, you can start snipping when they hit 4-6 inches tall. For a continual supply of fresh leaves, just trim them when they reach the perfect size, leaving about an inch above the plant’s crown. The plant will happily sprout new leaves, ensuring you have a steady stream of delicious veggies to enjoy. So, get ready for a turnip-tastic harvest that keeps on growing!
3. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Lettuce is a staple in many gardens and grows pretty fast. With so many varieties to choose from, you can enjoy a diverse range of flavors and textures in your food. Leafy, in particular, matures quickly and can be harvested in as little as 30 days.
Plant them in the right soil and ground early in spring or late in summer for a fall harvest. Keeping it happy is all about striking the right balance—think moist but not soggy soil with excellent drainage. If your veggie starts wilting in the sun, it’s a cry for help! Give those roots a good drink and mist the leaves with cool water to perk them up on hot days. For extra TLC, use row covers to provide some shade and mulch to keep the roots nice and cool as the season heats up. Your fresh salad, featuring not just this one but also crisp cucumbers, baby beets and hearty kale, will be the talk of the town!
4. Cress (Lepidium sativum)
Cress is a quick-growing and highly nutritious leafy green that’s perfect for adding a fresh, peppery flavor to your dishes. This small but mighty plant is one of the fastest veggies, ready to harvest in just 10-14 days. Cress is a great addition to soups.
To grow it, put sow seeds and seedlings either in soil or in a container. It can be grown indoors year-round. Plant the seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly press them down. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Cress thrives in filtered light or partial shade. Harvest the leaves when they are about two inches long, and enjoy them fresh for the best flavor. With its rapid growth, you can have a continuous supply of fresh veggie throughout the growing season.
5. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Spinach is a nutrient-packed leafy green that quickly grows and is super easy to care for. This versatile vegetable can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in a variety of dishes. Spinach is ready to harvest in about 30-45 days, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy fresh greens quickly.
Keep the soil consistently moist as thats what this vegetables likes as you sow seeds. Spinach thrives in partial shade or filtered light and warm weather making it suitable for various garden spots. Harvest the outer leaves when they are young and tender, allowing the plant to continue producing new leaves. Spinach is a versatile green that’s perfect for salad, smoothy, and cooked dishes.
6. Mustard Greens (Brassica juncea)
Mustard greens are another fast-growing vegetable that’s perfect for adding a spicy kick to your meals. These leafy greens mature quickly and can be harvested in about 30-40 days. Mustard greens are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
Plant the seedlings about half an inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist. Mustard greens thrive in full sun to partial shade in your summer garden. Harvest the leaves when they are young and tender for the best flavor. Enjoy mustard greens in salads, stir-fries, and soups.
7. Radishes (Raphanus sativus)
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing veggies and are perfect for adding a crunchy texture and peppery flavor to your salads. These root vegetables mature quickly, and you can start harvesting them in as little as 20-30 days.They are also great for interplanting with slowe vegetables, as they help to loosen the soil.
Sow the seeds directly in spring or late summer for a fall harvest. They can tolerate light frost. Plant the seeds about half an inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist. They thrive in full sun to partial shade. Harvest the roots when they are about one inch in diameter for the best flavor. You can eat it raw in salad, pickled, or cook in various dishes.
Conclusion
And there you have it, fellow gardeners – a delightful roundup of the vegetables that grow fast and will have you harvesting fresh items in no time! These speedy growers are perfect for those who want quick results and the satisfaction of enjoying homegrown veggies without a long wait. From the peppery arugula to the crisp radishes, these vegetables are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to grow.
Remember, vegetables that grow fast like these thrive in well-draining soil, and it’s essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Plant them in spots with filtered light or partial shade, and you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest in just a few short weeks. Whether you’re growing them in a traditional vegetable garden, a container garden, or even a cold frame, these vegetables will add a burst of flavor and nutrition to your meals.
