Growing your own vegetables doesn’t just fill your plate—it transforms your perspective on food. According to Dr. Helen Delichatsios of Massachusetts General Hospital, cultivating a garden deepens your connection to what you eat, turning every harvest into a moment of satisfaction.
For those eager to see quick results, these 15 fast-growing vegetables, ready in as little as 20 to 50 days, will energize your backyard and bring fresh produce to your table in no time. Which will you plant first?
1. Radishes
The undisputed champion of quick-growing vegetables, radishes can be ready for harvest in just 20-25 days. These crispy, peppery roots come in various shapes, colors, and sizes, making them a fun and rewarding crop for any garden.
Plant radish seeds directly in the ground or containers, keeping them about an inch apart. Regular watering is essential for optimal growth and to prevent the roots from becoming too spicy.
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2. Green Onions
Green onions, called scallions, are maintenance-free crops that mature in 20-30 days. These versatile alliums can be grown in pots or containers, making them perfect for small spaces.
Their slender white stalks and green tops add flavor to virtually any dish and can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season.
3. Spinach
Baby spinach can be ready for harvest in as little as 25 days, while full-size plants take up to 50 days. This nutrient-packed leafy green is one of the fastest-growing vegetables in the garden.
For a continuous harvest, plant spinach seeds successively and pick the outer leaves as needed. The plants prefer cooler weather and can be grown in partial shade.
4. Bok Choy
This Asian cabbage variety reaches maturity in just 30 days when harvesting the leaves at six inches long. Bok choy thrives in cooler climates and provides an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. (ref)
The crisp texture and mild flavor make it perfect for stir-fries and salads. Plant in partial shade and maintain consistent moisture to prevent bolting.
5. Arugula
Ready in approximately 25 days, arugula offers a peppery kick to your salads5. This fast-growing green performs well in both spring and fall gardens.
For the best flavor, directly sow the seeds and harvest the leaves when young. For continuous production, sow new seeds every few weeks.
6. Turnips
Turnips can be harvested in 30-40 days, offering edible roots and nutritious greens. These often-overlooked vegetables are rich in fiber and vitamin C.
Plant turnip seeds directly in the garden and thin seedlings to allow proper root development. Both the roots and greens can be enjoyed in various dishes.
7. Baby Carrots
While mature carrots take longer, baby carrots can be ready in 30 days. These sweet, tender roots are perfect for snacking and cooking.
Choose varieties specifically bred for baby-size harvesting, and ensure soil is loose and well-draining for proper root development.
8. Tatsoi
This Asian green matures in 30-45 days and produces a beautiful rosette of dark green leaves. Tatsoi grows well in partial shade and makes an excellent addition to stir-fries and salads.
The leaves can be harvested individually from the outside, allowing the plant to continue producing new growth.
9. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard offers a colorful harvest within 25-50 days depending on the variety. This nutritious green is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, making it a healthy addition to any garden. (ref)
The plants continue producing throughout the season when outer leaves are harvested regularly, providing an extended harvest period.
10. Mustard Greens
These spicy greens can be harvested for young leaves in 20-30 days.
Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, mustard greens contain powerful antioxidants that help protect against cell damage. Their high vitamin C content boosts immunity and helps fight colds and viruses.
Regular consumption helps reduce inflammation and provides essential nutrients for bone health. The leaves can be enjoyed raw in salads or cooked in various dishes.
11. Zucchini
This prolific summer squash reaches maturity in about 45 days. Zucchini is incredibly versatile in the kitchen and low in calories, fiber, and vitamin C.
One plant can produce enough vegetables for an entire family, making it an efficient choice for small gardens. Regular harvesting encourages continued production.
12. Green Beans
These easy-to-grow vegetables can be ready for harvest in 45-50 days. Green beans are rich in fiber and vitamins A, C, and K, making them a nutritious addition to any garden. (ref)
Green beans’ best feature is their ability to be frozen for year-round enjoyment. Plant them in succession for continuous harvests throughout the growing season.
13. Broccoli
This nutrient-dense vegetable can be ready in 40 days. Broccoli contains vitamins C, K, folate, and potassium, offering exceptional nutritional value. (ref)
For best results, plant in cool weather and harvest the central head when the buds are tight and compact. Side shoots will continue to develop after the main head is harvested.
14. Garlic Scallions
While traditional garlic takes months to mature, garlic scallions can be ready in about 50 days.
Plant scrappy little garlic cloves close together and harvest when the leaves reach 7 inches in height. These make excellent use of small spaces between other plants and have the added benefit of repelling some garden pests.
15. Cucumbers
Some cucumber varieties can be ready for harvest in just 40-50 days. These refreshing vegetables are perfect for summer gardens and make excellent additions to salads, sandwiches, and beverages.
Plant in well-drained soil and provide adequate support for climbing varieties. Regular harvesting encourages continued production throughout the season.
Source:
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.