With summer winding down, it’s easy to think gardening season is coming to an end. But don’t put your tools away just yet! There’s still time to plant fast-growing vegetables that will give you delicious fall harvests before the first frost hits. Whether you’ve got empty garden beds or simply want to maximize your growing space, this guide is here to help.
Because your planting window depends on where you live, we’ve organized this list by USDA hardiness zones. This way, you can choose vegetables that thrive in your specific region. Here are 17 quick-growing vegetables you can plant now to enjoy fresh produce this fall!
Choosing the Best Options for Different Zones
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Not all of these vegetable recommendations will work for every garden. We’ve tried to take into account different zones and growing conditions.
All 17 choices are validated by reliable extension sources, such as Cornell and the University of Minnesota, showing that these crops will mature successfully when planted in midsummer for fall harvest—provided you account for frost timing and local climate variations.
Zones 4-5 (Short Growing Season, Cooler Areas)
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First off, let’s look at cooler growing zones where there’s still hope for a bountiful fall harvest. Zones 4 and 5 are known for having shorter growing seasons with cooler temperatures, which can make it challenging to grow vegetables. However, with careful planning and the right selection of crops, you can still have success in these areas.
Thankfully, there are cool-season vegetables that thrive in lower temperatures and can handle light frost. By planting them in mid-to-late summer, they will have enough time to mature before the first frost hits. It’s essential to pay attention to the expected frost dates in your area and plan accordingly (remember, these are just estimates, though!).
1. Radishes
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Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, maturing in as little as 25–30 days. Perfect for beginners, they thrive in cool weather and add a peppery crunch to salads or soups.
Planting Tips: Sow radish seeds directly into loose, well-drained soil, spacing them about an inch apart. Keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering. You can sow new seeds every couple of weeks to maintain a continuous harvest.
2. Turnips
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Both the roots and greens of turnips are edible, making them a versatile fall favorite. They mature quickly—typically in 30–50 days—and their growth thrives as temperatures begin to drop.
Planting Tips: Direct-sow seeds in rows about 2 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 3–4 inches apart once they sprout. Turnips prefer consistent moisture to develop tender, sweet roots.
3. Spinach
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Spinach is a hardy green that loves the cooler weather of early fall. It matures in roughly 40–50 days, and its tender leaves make for a nutritious addition to salads and sautés.
Planting Tips: Sow seeds directly into rich, well-draining soil in partial shade. Water consistently and mulch to retain soil moisture. Harvest the outer leaves to allow the plant to keep producing.
4. Arugula
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For a peppery kick, arugula can’t be beaten. This leafy green matures in just 25–35 days, making it an excellent choice for late-season planting in cooler zones.
Planting Tips: Scatter seeds over well-drained soil and lightly cover with dirt. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Harvest when the leaves are young for the best flavor.
6. Lettuce (Leaf Varieties)
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Leaf lettuce varieties grow quickly, with many maturing in 30–45 days. Their crisp, refreshing leaves are a great addition to garden spaces and tabletops alike.
Planting Tips: Sow seeds close together and thin for proper spacing after they sprout. Water consistently and pick outer leaves as needed for continuous growth.
7. Mustard Greens
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Fast-growing mustard greens mature in just 30–40 days. Their spicy flavor can be toned down with a quick sauté or added raw for a kick of heat.
Planting Tips: Sow seeds directly in well-draining soil. Make sure to keep plants consistently watered, and thin seedlings to 4 inches apart. Harvest leaves when they’re tender and brightly colored.
8. Bok Choy
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Bok choy is a quick-growing vegetable with tender stalks and mild-flavored leaves, ready to harvest in about 45 days.
Planting Tips: Sow seeds in well-draining soil with added compost for nutrients. Space seeds about 6 inches apart and water consistently. Harvest outer leaves or the whole plant, depending on your needs.
Zones 6-7 (Intermediate Growing Season)
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If you have a little more time in your growing season, you can try a variety of different vegetables in addition to the ones we just discussed for zones 4 and 5.
Here are some options for Zones 6-7:
9. Broccoli Raab
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Broccoli raab, also known as rapini, delivers tender greens and small flower heads in just 40–50 days. A great choice for cooler growing conditions, it adds variety to fall dinners.
Planting Tips: Sow seeds in full-sun locations with well-draining soil. Water consistently and harvest shoots before they flower.
10. Baby Carrots
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Fast-maturing carrot varieties might be ready in 70 or so days. But you can pick them when they’re still baby carrots for a small sweet treat. These can be ready in as few as 50 days. They’re perfect for cooler climates where frost arrives early.
Planting Tips: Sow seeds in loose, deeply tilled soil, spacing them about an inch apart. Thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding and ensure straight, strong roots.
11. Swiss Chard
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Swiss chard grows well into the cooler months, with a harvesting window of 50–60 days. Its vibrant stems and tender leaves are as decorative as they are nutritious.
Planting Tips: Sow seeds in rich, loose soil, spacing them 4–6 inches apart. Remove any weeds as seedlings establish themselves. Harvest the outer leaves and stems to extend the plant’s productivity.
12. Kale
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Kale isn’t just for smoothies—this hardy green thrives in chilly weather and tastes even sweeter after a light frost. Baby kale leaves are ready in 30 days, while mature leaves take about 50–60 days.
Planting Tips: Sow seeds in nutrient-rich soil and space plants about 12 inches apart. Keep the soil evenly moist and use mulch to prevent weeds. Harvest the lower leaves and allow the center to keep growing.
13. Bush Beans
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Bush beans grow quickly and are highly productive, maturing in 50–55 days. They’re an easy option for beginners looking to grow something fast before frost arrives.
Planting Tips: Plant seeds 1–2 inches deep in well-draining soil. Space plants about 6 inches apart and water deeply once or twice a week. Harvest pods when they’re slender and firm.
14. Cilantro
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Cilantro grows rapidly, maturing in just 40–50 days. Its fresh, citrusy flavor is a must-have for fall salsas and soups.
Planting Tips: Plant seeds in partial shade with evenly moist soil. Harvest leaves frequently to encourage new growth and to prevent the plant from bolting prematurely.
Zones 8-9 (Long Growing Season, Warmer Areas)
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Finally, if you live in zones 8 or 9, you have a longer growing season to work with. This means you can plant and harvest multiple crops throughout the year. Some good options for these areas, in addition to what we’ve already covered, include:
15. Beets
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Beets offer the dual benefit of greens and roots, both of which are edible. They take about 50–60 days to mature.
Planting Tips: Sow seeds in loose, fertile soil about 1 inch apart, then thin seedlings after they sprout. Harvest young greens early for salads and allow the roots to mature fully for roasting or pickling.
16. Snow Peas
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Snow peas are perfect for trellises or vertical growing areas, producing sweet, crunchy pods in about 60 days.
Planting Tips: Sow seeds at the base of a trellis and water consistently. Pick pods while they’re flat and tender to encourage further production.
17. Collard Greens
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Collards are a Southern staple that thrives in fall gardens. They take about 60 days to mature, developing sweeter leaves as temperatures cool.
Planting Tips: Direct-sow seeds in deeply tilled, well-draining soil. Water consistently and keep the area weed-free. Harvest larger outer leaves while allowing the plant to continue producing.
Get More From Your Garden Late in the Season
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Extending your garden into fall is easier than you think, and these 17 vegetables ensure you’ll have fresh produce for weeks to come. By planning according to your hardiness zone and selecting fast-growing crops, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest even as temperatures drop. Grab your seeds, get planting, and make the most of your garden this season!
