By Charmaine Peters, Farm Director at Arden
Let’s face it, gardening is not for those who are looking for instant gratification. Planting, nurturing, and harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables properly takes time and proper care, but it doesn’t mean you have to wait for months on end to enjoy your favorite fresh produce. In addition to small herbs, there are several vegetable varieties that are known for their quick growth.
If you’re an eager gardener who can’t wait months to enjoy the fruits of your labor, or a beginner looking to start small, here are four plants that you can take from seed to kitchen in just one month.
Radishes
Radishes are the poster child for fast-growing veggies. These vibrant and peppery roots can be harvested in as little as three to four weeks. Their quick growth rate makes them an excellent choice for quick gardening. Radishes thrive in cooler weather, so you can sow them in early spring or fall for the best results. Make sure your garden has full sun exposure and loamy soil before sprinkling your seeds outdoors. With a variety of colors and flavors available, radishes are speedy vegetables when it comes to gardening and offer both culinary versatility and appeal.
Salad Greens
If you are a fan of fresh and crisp salads, you’ll be pleased to learn that leafy greens are fast growers. Salad greens, like lettuce, spinach, arugula, and kale, can be harvested within a month of sowing. Opt for loose-leaf varieties as they tend to mature faster than head-forming ones. Sow the seeds in rich, well-drained soil and provide regular watering to ensure continuous growth and to eliminate any bitterness. By harvesting the outer leaves of plants like spinach and kale while leaving the inner ones enact, you can enjoy multiple harvests through the season without replacing the plant. When planting in the spring, you’ll only have to wait two and six weeks before you’ll have fresh greens perfect for any salad.
Baby Carrots
While traditional carrots can take a few months to grow, baby carrots are a quicker alternative. These smaller varieties are harvested when they are still young, typically around 30 days after planting. Baby carrots are ideal for container gardening and can even be grown in shallow pots or boxes. Ensure that the soil is loose and well-drained to encourage healthy root development for a perfect harvest.
Green Onions
Green onions, also known as spring onions or scallions, are a staple in many cuisines and are incredibly easy to grow. Sow the seeds two inches apart in rows in moist, well-drained soil, and within a month’s time you can start harvesting the young shoots. This low-maintenance allium is perfect to plant in full-sun gardens during the late summer months. Simply cut off the green tops and leave the white base to reuse for regrowth so you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh green onions the whole season.
Gardening does not always have to be a waiting game. These fast-growing veggies can satisfy your green thumb and enjoy the rewards of homegrown produce in just a few weeks. Whether you’re a novice gardener or an experienced enthusiast, incorporating fast-growing veggies into your home garden is a great way to see quick results and keep your motivation high. So, grab your seeds and embark on a journey to enjoy the delights of freshly harvested vegetables in no time!