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20 Fast Growing Vegetables to Harvest in Under 60 Days!
Last Updated: August 26, 2024
As the summer heat mellows and fall inches closer, you might think the gardening season is winding down. But don’t hang up your gardening gloves just yet! September can be a golden month for planting fast-growing vegetables, ensuring your kitchen remains stocked with fresh produce into the cooler months. If you’ve ever wondered, “What quick crops can I plant now for a late harvest?” you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the world of fast-growing vegetables that will sprint to your dinner table.
As September approaches and the weather begins to cool, it’s a perfect time to turn your gardening focus towards vegetables that thrive in autumn’s mild temperatures.
Whether you’re an experienced green thumb or a novice looking to start your first garden, planting fast-growing vegetables this month ensures that you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest before the first frost.
In this post, you’ll discover 20 vegetables that not only mature quickly but are also particularly well-suited for the shorter days ahead. Let’s delve into a list of top choices that will bring crisp, fresh flavors to your table in no time.
Fast Growing Vegetables to Plant in September
Here’s what you’ll learn from reading this article in full:
- Variety and Selection: Insight into a diverse range of vegetables that can be quickly grown in the autumn months, catering to different tastes and dietary needs. This variety allows you to choose plants that are well-suited to your climate, space availability, and personal preference.
- Growth and Harvest Times: Specific timelines for when each vegetable type can be expected to mature and be ready for harvest. This information helps in planning a gardening schedule that maximizes output and ensures a continuous supply of fresh vegetables.
- Space Efficiency: Ideas on how to effectively use garden space by selecting vegetables that grow well together and can be planted in smaller spaces. This is particularly beneficial for those with limited gardening space, such as urban growers with balcony gardens.
- Gardening Tips: Practical gardening tips tailored to the needs of fast-growing vegetables. These suggestions aim to enhance your gardening skills, improve plant health, and increase the yield of your vegetable garden.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Fast Growing Vegetables
Timing and technique matter. Here’s how to get your fast-growing vegetables off to a great start:
- Soil Prep: Enrich your soil with compost to give your plants a nutritious boost. At the end of summer, your soil is most likely depleted of nutrients from all of your summer crops. Tomatoes, peppers, and most other vegetables use up a lot of them in their growth. That is why it’s important to add the nutrients and organic matter back into your soil.
- Sowing: Follow packet instructions carefully for depth and spacing. Every vegetable variety is different, so it’s important to pay attention to the instructions on the seed packet.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. As the weather gets cooler, you may actually have to water your garden less because there’s less evaporation. However, you still need to stay on top of watering and keeping your plants happy.
- Protection: Use cold frames or fleece to protect your crops from early frosts. Sometimes, a frost hits out of nowhere (well, not really out of nowhere, but still). Although most of these plants are cold and frost-tolerant, it’s still important to keep them protected from the extremes.
Incorporating these steps can make a significant difference in the growth cycle of vegetables seeds that grow fast.
Benefits of Fast Growing Winter Vegetables
Not only do they provide a late-season yield, but fast-growing vegetables also offer:
- Improved soil health: When plants are actively growing in the soil, they improve the structure of the soil. Soil is meant to have roots in it and plants above it, and vice versa.
- Reduced weed growth: Again, when the soil is bare, there is more space for weeds to grow. This allows them to grow untouched until next spring, when you will have to remove them. If you cover the soil with your own plants, weeds will have a harder time growing.
- An extended gardening season: Many people think that the season ends when summer ends. That is not true. You can still grow A LOT of vegetables in late summer, fall and even winter. Here in Southern Ontario, most outdoor growth is killed in October. But even then, you can use a cold frame or a greenhouse to grow well into the fall and winter.
20 Fast Growing Vegetables to Plant in September
Let’s get to it! Here is our list of 20 fast growing vegetable varieties that are perfect to plant and grow in September and the coming fall months. If you want to purchase any of the listed varieties, simply click on its name!
Radishes
Radishes are the sprinters of the vegetable garden, maturing incredibly quickly. They add a peppery kick to salads and are ideal for beginner gardeners due to their ease of growing and rapid harvest time. Radishes prefer cooler weather, making September an excellent month for planting.
Ready for harvest in as little as 25 days.
Spinach
Spinach is a nutrient powerhouse that grows rapidly in cool weather. It can be harvested at the baby leaf stage for salads or allowed to mature for cooking. Spinach prefers ample sunlight but appreciates the cooler temperatures September brings, reducing the risk of bolting.
Can be harvested 30-45 days after planting.
Lettuce
Lettuce, with its vast array of varieties, is perfect for a quick harvest. It’s adaptable to both garden beds and containers, making it suitable for all types of gardeners. Planting in September takes advantage of cooler weather, encouraging tender, flavorful leaves.
Starts to be pickable from 30 days onward.
Arugula
Arugula, known for its peppery flavor, is another fast grower. It’s perfect for adding a spicy twist to salads and sandwiches. Like other leafy greens, arugula enjoys the milder September climate, which helps produce a more vibrant taste.
Ready to eat in just 20 days (what?!).
Turnips
Turnips are a versatile vegetable that can be grown for both their flavorful roots and nutritious greens. Planting turnips in September allows the roots to develop in cooler soil, resulting in a sweeter taste.
Harvestable in 30-55 days; eat the greens too!
Green Onions
Green onions, or scallions, can be quickly grown and don’t require much space, making them perfect for small gardens or pots. They add a mild onion flavor to a variety of dishes and can be harvested in just a few weeks.
Ready to be picked in 3 to 4 weeks.
Kale
Kale is a hardy vegetable that can tolerate cold temperatures, making it an ideal crop for late planting. Its leaves tend to become sweeter after a frost, so a September sowing will yield a tasty harvest through fall and sometimes into winter.
Harvest tender young leaves in 30-40 days.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens grow quickly and add a spicy kick to both cooked dishes and salads. Planting in September takes advantage of cooler weather, tempering their heat and encouraging tender growth.
Spicy leaves ready in 40 days.
Carrots
Carrots planted in September can yield tender, sweet roots. They require well-drained soil and can take a bit longer to mature than other vegetables on this list, but the cooler weather reduces their risk of becoming woody.
Start pulling them up in about 50 days.
Beets
Beets are a dual-purpose vegetable, with both the roots and greens being edible. They prefer cooler soil temperatures, and a September planting can result in sweet, tender beets that are perfect for roasting or salads.
Harvest your beets about 45 to 60 days after sowing.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is not only delicious but also visually stunning, with brightly colored stems. It’s tolerant of cooler temperatures and can be harvested continuously. Planting in September will ensure a vibrant display and steady crop into late fall.
Begins to be ready in 35 days.
Collard Greens
Collard greens are a staple in many gardens due to their nutritional value and versatility in cooking. They thrive in cooler weather, making September an ideal time for planting. Collards are also frost-tolerant, extending the harvesting season.
Ready to harvest in as little as 40 days.
Bok Choy
Bok choy, with its crisp texture and sweet flavor, is perfect for stir-fries and soups. It prefers cooler weather, which makes planting in September ideal for avoiding bolting and encouraging tender growth.
Mature enough for cooking after 45 days.
Asian Greens
Asian greens, including Tatsoi and Mizuna, offer a variety of flavors and textures for salads and cooked dishes. They grow quickly and are well-suited to cooler early autumn temperatures, providing abundant harvests in just a few weeks.
Varieties like Tatsoi ready within 30 days.
Peas
Peas thrive in cool weather and can be planted in September for a late fall harvest. They require support as they grow but are otherwise easy to care for, producing sweet pods or peas that are delicious fresh from the garden.
Quick-growing peas can be picked after 60 days.
Basil
A very fragrant and aromatic herb popular in Mediterranean and Southeast Asian. Basil is my favourite choice (I am Italian, so it’s completely unbiased) for fall planting, as it is traditionally a summer crop. That being said, it can bolt quickly with too much heat, so September is a perfect time to plant this fast growing vegetable herb.
Basil is ready to harvest in 50 to 60 days.
Cilantro
This herb is grown predominantly for its use in Latin American and Southeast Asian dishes. To me and many others, cilantro tastes like soap and is pretty much not at all palatable.
Can be harvested within 40-50 days.
Bush Beans
Bush beans are compact and ideal for smaller spaces or container gardening. A September planting in warmer regions can produce a quick crop before the season ends, providing fresh beans for your table.
Ready in about 60 days.
Parsley
Parsley is a very versatile herb that is used in many cuisines globally. It does much better in cooler weather compared to summer temperatures, as it is less likely to bolt and run to seed.
Somewhat slow maturing; ready in about 60 days.
Baby Carrots
Pull these up in about 30 days for quick snacks.
Gardening Tip: Many of these vegetables, such as lettuce, radishes, and spinach, are also perfect for fast growing vegetables in pots, making them ideal for balconies and smaller spaces.
Discussion Questions:
- What fast growing vegetables have you had success with in the fall?
- Are there any varieties on our list that don’t grow well in your climate?
Please let us know in the comment section!
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can I expect these vegetables to grow?
Most fast-growing vegetables can be ready to harvest within 30 to 60 days from planting, with some, like radishes, potentially ready in as little as 20-30 days.
When is the best time to plant fast-growing vegetables?
Many fast-growing vegetables can be planted in early spring, late summer, or early fall. However, checking your local growing zone for the best planting times is essential. I would say that late August and September are the best times in many climates.
Can fast-growing vegetables be grown in containers?
Yes, many fast-growing vegetables, such as lettuce, radishes, and spinach, are well-suited to container gardening, making them great for small spaces.
Do fast-growing vegetables require full sun?
While most fast-growing vegetables thrive in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day), some leafy greens like spinach and kale can tolerate partial shade.
Are there any fast-growing vegetables that can tolerate frost?
Yes, certain fast-growing vegetables like spinach, kale, and mustard greens can tolerate hard frosts, making them excellent choices for late fall planting.
Even More Gardening Ideas
Here are a few more posts to get the ball rolling in your garden!
- 30 Yellow Flowering Herbs You Need to Grow
- Comprehensive Guide to Planting Brassicas for Fall
- 24 Flowers to Plant in August for Blooms All Season
Products
For all-purpose organic fertilizers, check out Fishnure.
To buy organic, non-GMO lavender seeds, check out SeedsNow.
For a wide selection of perennial garden plants, check out Nature Hills Nursery.
For gardening equipment, check out Bootstrap Farmer
Web Story
Conclusion
Planting fast-growing vegetables in September can significantly enhance your garden’s productivity and extend your harvesting season. By choosing these 20 vegetables, you not only make the most of your garden space but also enjoy fresh, healthy produce well into the cooler months.
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these crops are a perfect way to enjoy the satisfaction of a bountiful, vibrant garden. Remember, the key to successful fall gardening is timely planting and adequate care, so don’t hesitate to get your hands dirty and start planting these fast growers this September!
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Thank you for this info! I live in a much hotter climate where we can pretty much grow all year long, but some fast growing veggies are nice to put in for an earlier harvest!
It would be great to live in Arizona. Actually, considering the extreme heat, I think I’m fine here in Ontario! 😄
What a helpful post. I’ll pin it for future reference. Saw it at SSPS#326. My shares are #96 through 99. Enjoy and Happy Labor Day. Nancy Andres @ Colors 4 Health.
Thanks for Stopping by Nancy! I will check out your entries.