Fastest Growing Vegetables for a Bountiful Summer Garden

When it comes to gardening, one of the most exciting things is seeing your hard work pay off with a bountiful nutritious harvest. But, sometimes it can feel like the wait is endless as you watch your plants slowly grow. Fortunately, there are a variety of vegetables that grow quickly and can provide you with a delicious harvest in no time. In this post, we will be exploring the fastest growing vegetables for a bountiful summer garden, so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor sooner rather than later.

Benefits of a Home Garden

There are countless benefits to having a home garden, beyond just having fresh produce at your fingertips. For one, gardening is a great way to get outdoors, develop a new hobby and get some exercise. It can also be a stress-relieving activity that allows you to disconnect from technology and connect with nature. Home gardens also promote sustainability and can help reduce your carbon footprint by reducing the distance your food needs to travel to get to your plate. Additionally, gardening can be a way to save money on groceries and can provide a sense of accomplishment and pride in growing your own food. It may also be a way for individuals to control the soil their plants are planted on, which may be important if someone has certain reactions or problems with soils. Finally, home gardens can provide habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects, which can help improve the health of your local ecosystem.

Fastest Growing Vegetables

Here are some vegetables to consider bringing to your home this season!

1. Radishes

Radishes are one of the quickest growing vegetables, with some varieties able to go from seed to harvest in as little as three weeks. These small, crunchy vegetables are perfect for adding to salads, sandwiches, and more. They also come in a variety of colors, from classic red to white, pink, and even black. Radishes are beneficial for our health as they are high in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, folate, and potassium.

When planting radishes, make sure to choose a sunny spot in your garden and plant the seeds about half an inch deep. Radishes prefer well-drained soil and should be watered regularly to prevent them from becoming woody.

2. Arugula

Arugula is a peppery, leafy green that can be harvested in just a few weeks. Arugula is beneficial for our health as it is a nutrient-dense leafy green that is high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and potassium. This fast-growing vegetable is perfect for adding to salads, sandwiches, and even pizza. Arugula prefers cooler temperatures, so it's best to plant it in early spring or late summer.

To plant arugula, choose a spot in your garden that receives partial shade and sow the seeds about a quarter-inch deep. Arugula prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly.

3. Baby Carrots

While full-sized carrots can take several months to mature, baby carrots can be harvested in as little as 30 days. Baby carrots are beneficial for our health as they are low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene, which can help boost immune function and promote healthy vision. These small, sweet carrots are perfect for snacking or adding to salads.

To grow baby carrots, choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun and sow the seeds about a quarter-inch deep. Make sure to water them regularly to keep the soil moist. Once the carrots are about an inch in diameter, you can harvest them by gently pulling them out of the ground.

4. Spinach

Spinach is a nutrient-packed leafy green that can be harvested in just a few weeks. Spinach is beneficial for our health as it is loaded with nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and K, iron, and folate, and has been linked to improved heart health, lowered blood pressure, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. This fast-growing vegetable is perfect for adding to salads, smoothies, and more.

To plant spinach, choose a spot in your garden that receives partial shade and sow the seeds about a half-inch deep. Spinach prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly. Once the leaves are large enough, you can harvest them by cutting them off at the base.

5. Bush Beans

Bush beans are a type of green bean that grows quickly and produces a bountiful harvest. These beans can be harvested in as little as 50 days and are perfect for adding to salads, stir-fries, and more. Bush beans are beneficial for our health as they are a low-calorie source of protein and fiber, packed with vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, and potassium, and have been linked to improved gut health and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

To plant bush beans, choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun and sow the seeds about an inch deep. Make sure to water them regularly to keep the soil moist. Once the beans are about four inches long, you can harvest them by gently pulling them off the plant.

6. Kale

Kale is a nutrient-packed leafy green that can be harvested in just a few weeks. This fast-growing vegetable is perfect for adding to salads, smoothies, and more. Kale is beneficial for our health as it is a powerhouse of nutrients including vitamins A, C, and K, antioxidants, and fiber, and has been linked to improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and decreased risk of certain types of cancer.

To plant kale, choose a spot in your garden that receives partial shade and sow the seeds about a half-inch deep. Kale prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly. Once the leaves are large enough, you can harvest them by cutting them off at the base.

In Conclusion

Our Health Coach highly recommends growing your own vegetables as a fun and healthy activity that can provide numerous benefits for your overall well being. By growing your own produce, you have the opportunity to eat fresh, nutrient-dense vegetables that are free from harmful pesticides and chemicals. Additionally, gardening can be a form of physical activity that allows you to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, which can improve your mood and reduce stress levels. Growing your own vegetables can also provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, as you watch your plants grow and produce delicious and healthy food. Overall, growing your own vegetables is an enjoyable and rewarding way to improve your health and wellbeing.

If you are looking for ways to become healthier, our Health Coach team is here to help. We offer Complimentary Health Coach Consultations where you can walk through your health goals and start your journey to healing together. Click here to book for free now.