Fast Growing Vegetables: 9 Vegetables You Can Harvest Quickly
In my initial days of gardening, I made the mistake of thinking that it required a lot of patience growing vegetables. I pictured sowing seeds and having to wait months for a harvest. The first vegetable that I successfully harvested were tomatoes, which are pretty easy to grow even as a beginner gardener. Planting a tiny seed and watching new leaves emerge in a matter of days is very satisfying. Better yet, certain fast growing vegetables can be harvested in a matter of weeks. Growing veggies that develop quickly is a terrific way to start whether you’re a novice gardener, have limited space, or just don’t want to wait months for your first crop.
I’ll discuss some of the fastest growing vegetables you can produce at home in this article, including some that grow well in containers, small gardens, balconies, and even indoor setups that are suitable for beginners.
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15 Fast Growing Vegetables to Grow at Home
Radish
Approximate harvest time: 3–5 weeks
Radishes should be at the top of your list if you want to harvest a vegetable that yields results quickly. Certain types of radish can be ready for harvest in three to five weeks. They are also great for container gardening because they don’t need a lot of room.
Directly plant radish seeds in loose soil, making sure the soil remains constantly moist. Don’t overcrowd the plants and give them lots of sunlight.
Lettuce
Approximate harvest time: 3–6 weeks for baby leaves
One of my favorite vegetables for beginner gardeners is lettuce because you don’t have to wait for the entire plant to grow. Baby lettuce leaves can be harvested much earlier.
Cut a few outer leaves and let the plant develop instead of removing the entire thing.
Spinach
Approximate harvest time: 4–6 weeks
Another great option for a home garden is spinach, which grows quickly. You can pick baby spinach leaves really fast, and you can keep doing so as the plant develops.
Spinach should be planted in rich, well-draining soil that is continuously moist. Instead of removing the entire plant, harvest the outer leaves first.
Mustard Greens
Approximate harvest time: 3–5 weeks
Another leafy vegetable that grows quickly and can be harvested early is mustard greens. Mature leaves tend to grow more peppery, whilst young leaves have a mild flavor.
When searching for veggies that may be plucked for their leaves instead of waiting for the plant to bear fruit, they are especially helpful.
Peas
Approximate harvest time: 6–9 weeks
When sown in the proper season, peas can grow fairly quickly. Because many types climb, they are also an excellent option if you have vertical space.
Once the pods start to produce, keep the soil wet and collect them frequently.
Cucumbers
Approximate harvest time: 6–10 weeks
Another vegetable that grows quickly is cucumbers, which, in the right circumstances, may yield a shockingly speedy harvest.
Cucumber plants need plenty of sunlight and consistent moisture. If you are into vertical gardening, they are extremely helpful for the plant.
Green Onions
Approximate harvest time: 3–6 weeks
Growing green onions is surprisingly simple and doesn’t take up much room. Green onions can be grown from seeds, sets, or even leftovers which are considered kitchen waste in many households.
I think this is a great alternative for anyone who wants to start gardening but doesn’t want to buy a big setup.
Chives
Approximate harvest time: 3–6 weeks
One of those plants that makes gardening seem almost too simple is chives. They can produce new green stems after they are established, which you can cut whenever you need.
They are especially helpful if you’re growing food on a balcony, patio, or windowsill because they don’t take up much room. Grow them in a tiny pot and just chop what you need for potatoes, eggs, soups, salads, and other recipes.
Mint
Approximate harvest time: 4–8 weeks
Another plant that grows quickly and has the potential to become one of your garden’s most profitable plants is mint. Once established, it can consistently produce new leaves and stems.
I especially enjoy growing mint since it can be used for so many different things, such as salads, chutneys, sweets, teas, refreshing drinks, and handmade infused water.
Beware, this plant can take over your garden so its best grown in its own container.
Read Also: How long does it take for tomatoes to grow?
How to Make Vegetables Grow Faster
Vegetable growth cannot be entirely controlled, but you can provide your plants with the circumstances they require to be harvested earlier.
- Choose fast-growing varieties
- Give plants enough sunlight
- Don’t overcrowd your plants
- Use good-quality soil
- Water consistently
- Harvest regularly
The thrill of cultivating your own food doesn’t have to wait months.
Fast-growing veggies are ideal for beginners, kids, small-space gardeners, or anyone who just lacks the patience to wait for a long growing season because they can yield something to harvest in a matter of weeks.
I would suggest picking a few simple veggies like radishes, lettuce and green onions if you’re just getting started.
Walking into your garden, grabbing a bunch of fresh greens, and remembering that they were tiny seeds just a few weeks ago is a unique experience.
And don’t be shocked if those three or four veggies suddenly grow into ten after your first harvest.
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