Radishes, salad greens, bush beans, cherry tomatoes, and summer squash are some of the fastest-growing vegetables that can be harvested in as little as three weeks. Here’s a guide on how to grow them:
Radishes
Radishes are one of the quickest vegetables to grow, taking only three to four weeks from sowing to harvest. They are exceptionally easy to grow and require minimal care.
Tips for Growing Radishes
- Sow radish seeds about 1 inch apart in well-draining soil or containers.
- Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period, then reduce watering to about 1 inch per week.
- Harvest radishes when they are between 1/2 and 1 inch in diameter, using a fork to carefully dig them up.
Salad Greens
Salad greens like lettuce, arugula, and kale are another fast-growing option that can be harvested in just three weeks. These leafy greens are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
Tips for Growing Salad Greens
- Sow salad green seeds thinly and evenly in well-draining soil or containers.
- Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period, then reduce watering to about 1 inch per week.
- Harvest salad greens when the leaves are about 4-6 inches tall, cutting them off at the base of the plant using scissors or a sharp knife.
Bush Beans
Bush beans are another quick-growing vegetable that can be harvested in about 60 days. They are perfect for small spaces and can even be grown in containers.
Tips for Growing Bush Beans
- Sow bush bean seeds about 1 inch apart in well-draining soil or containers.
- Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period, then reduce watering to about 1 inch per week.
- Harvest bush beans when the pods are about 4-6 inches long, snapping them off the plant while leaving the stem intact.
Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are typically easier to grow than larger tomato varieties and can be harvested in as little as 45 days. They are perfect for small spaces and can even be grown in containers.
Tips for Growing Cherry Tomatoes
- Sow cherry tomato seeds about 1 inch apart in well-draining soil or containers.
- Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period, then reduce watering to about 1 inch per week.
- Harvest cherry tomatoes when they are about the size of a marble, plucking them off the plant while leaving the stem intact.
Summer Squash
Summer squash like zucchini and yellow squash are another quick-growing option that can be harvested in about 48 days. They are perfect for grilling, sautéing, or baking.
Tips for Growing Summer Squash
- Sow summer squash seeds about 1 inch apart in well-draining soil or containers.
- Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period, then reduce watering to about 1 inch per week.
- Harvest summer squash when the fruit is about 6-8 inches long, cutting it off the plant while leaving the stem intact.
Other Fast-Growing Vegetables
- Spinach: Can be harvested in just 3-4 weeks.
- Green Onions: Grow quickly from seed or sets, and can be harvested in as little as 4-6 weeks.
- Peas: Can be harvested in about 60 days.
- Beets: Can be harvested in about 50-60 days.
Tips for Growing Success
- Make sure your soil is well-draining and has a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Aim for about 1 inch of water per week for consistent moisture.
- Most fast-growing vegetables require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Feed your fast-growing vegetables with a balanced fertilizer once a month.
- Keep an eye out for pests and use organic pest control methods whenever possible.
