Fast-Growing Vegetables: What You Can Grow in 30 Days or Less
If you’re eager to harvest fresh veggies quickly, you’re in luck! Some vegetables can grow from seed to harvest in just 30 days or less, making them perfect for gardeners who want fast results. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy start or an experienced gardener seeking quick yields, this list has something for you. Let’s dive into the best vegetables you can grow in a month or less and how to maximize your harvest! Fast-growing vegetables add constant crops yields and great variety to your garden.
Why Grow Fast-Growing Vegetables?
- Instant Gratification: Seeing results quickly keeps gardening fun and motivating.
- Continuous Harvests: Many of these vegetables can be succession planted for ongoing production.
- Great for Beginners: If you’re new to gardening, starting with fast-growing vegetables helps build confidence and skills.
- Small Space Gardening: Many of these crops are ideal for containers or small garden beds.
Best Fast-Growing Vegetables to Grow in 30 Days or Less
1. Radishes
- Beginner Friendly? Absolutely! Radishes are one of the easiest vegetables to grow. Check out my list of beginner friendly vegetables here!
- Time to Harvest: 20-30 days.
- Planting Tips: Direct sow seeds in early spring or fall. Plant every two weeks for continuous harvests.
- Succession Planting? Yes, radishes are great for multiple plantings.
- Tips for High Yields: Keep soil consistently moist for the best root development.
2. Arugula
- Beginner Friendly? Yes, as long as you keep it well-watered.
- Time to Harvest: 20-25 days.
- Planting Tips: Sow directly in the garden in early spring or late summer.
- Succession Planting? Yes, plant every two weeks for a steady supply.
- Tips for High Yields: Harvest young leaves for the best flavor.
3. Lettuce (Leaf Varieties)
- Beginner Friendly? Yes, very forgiving and easy to grow.
- Time to Harvest: 25-30 days for baby greens.
- Planting Tips: Can be grown in containers, raised beds, or directly in the ground.
- Succession Planting? Yes, plant every two weeks for a continuous harvest.
- Tips for High Yields: Cut outer leaves rather than pulling the entire plant to allow regrowth.
4. Spinach
- Beginner Friendly? Yes, but prefers cooler temperatures.
- Time to Harvest: 25-30 days for baby leaves.
- Planting Tips: Best planted in early spring or fall; dislikes heat.
- Succession Planting? Yes, plant in intervals for an extended harvest.
- Tips for High Yields: Regular harvesting encourages new leaf growth.
5. Green Onions (Scallions)
- Beginner Friendly? Yes, very low-maintenance.
- Time to Harvest: 21-30 days for tender green shoots.
- Planting Tips: Can be started indoors or directly in the garden.
- Succession Planting? Yes, plant in small batches for continuous harvests.
- Tips for High Yields: Trim leaves as needed to promote continued growth.
6. Baby Kale
- Beginner Friendly? Yes, and packed with nutrients.
- Time to Harvest: 25-30 days for baby leaves.
- Planting Tips: Sow in early spring or late summer for best results.
- Succession Planting? Yes, every two weeks.
- Tips for High Yields: Pick outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth.
7. Bok Choy (Baby Variety)
- Beginner Friendly? Yes, thrives in cool weather.
- Time to Harvest: 25-30 days.
- Planting Tips: Prefers partial shade in hotter months.
- Succession Planting? Yes, every few weeks.
- Tips for High Yields: Harvest young leaves for the best texture and taste.
8. Turnip Greens
- Beginner Friendly? Yes, fast-growing and easy to maintain.
- Time to Harvest: 20-25 days.
- Planting Tips: Sow directly in the garden in spring or fall.
- Succession Planting? Yes, every two weeks.
- Tips for High Yields: Harvest leaves while young to prevent bitterness.
9. Mustard Greens
- Beginner Friendly? Yes, great for beginners.
- Time to Harvest: 20-30 days.
- Planting Tips: Grows well in both spring and fall.
- Succession Planting? Yes, every two weeks.
- Tips for High Yields: Harvest leaves frequently to keep plants productive.
10. Microgreens
- Beginner Friendly? Yes, one of the easiest and fastest crops to grow.
- Time to Harvest: 7-21 days.
- Planting Tips: Can be grown indoors year-round.
- Succession Planting? Yes, stagger plantings for a continuous harvest.
- Tips for High Yields: Use a shallow container with good drainage and mist frequently.
Tips for Growing Fast-Growing Vegetables Successfully
- Use High-Quality Soil: Good soil ensures healthy, fast growth.
- Water Consistently: Lack of water can cause stress and slow down growth.
- Provide Adequate Sunlight: Most of these crops need at least 6 hours of sun per day.
- Fertilize Lightly: Too much nitrogen can cause excessive leaf growth at the expense of flavor.
- Watch for Pests: Aphids, slugs, and flea beetles can quickly damage young plants. Companion planting can help combat pests.
The Importance of Succession Planting
Many fast-growing vegetables are best grown in succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest. Instead of planting all your seeds at once, plant a few every week or two. This prevents an overwhelming harvest all at once and keeps your garden productive for longer. Many of the vegetables on this list are great to start as a cold crop which you can read all about here!
My Final Thoughts
Growing vegetables that mature in 30 days or less is a great way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce without a long wait. Whether you’re starting your first garden or looking to maximize your harvests, these fast-growing vegetables are a perfect choice. With the right care, succession planting, and a little patience, you’ll be enjoying homegrown salads and greens in no time! My preference is to grow a few varieties of lettuce every season, since they grow fast its a great way to get variety and figure out all your favorites!
So, what will you be growing this season? Let me know your favorites in the comments!
