Quick Growing Vegetables to Plant in the Fall

Think it’s too late to plant a fall garden? Think again! Even if summer has come and gone, you can still enjoy a fresh harvest by choosing quick growing vegetables to plant in fall. These crops don’t take long to mature. Some are ready in as little as 20–30 days! This makes them perfect for squeezing in before the first frost.

Fall gardening has a lot of advantages. Cooler temperatures mean fewer pests, better flavor, and less watering. Plus, many vegetables actually thrive in the shorter days and cooler nights of autumn. If you’ve ever wanted to make the most of your garden space before winter, this is your chance!

In this guide, I’ll share the best fast growing fall vegetables, tips for timing your planting, and how to extend your harvest well into the cooler months. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or just looking to get one more crop from your garden, these quick growing vegetables from seed are the perfect place to start.

Why Plant Quick Growing Vegetables in the Fall?

Many gardeners think of fall as the end of the season, but it can actually be one of the best times to grow food. By planting fast growing fall vegetables, you can keep your garden productive and enjoy fresh harvests right up until frost. (And with a little frost protection, such as row covers, some of these will hold steady even after frosty temps arrive.)

Here are a few reasons to add quick crops to your fall garden:

• Short days, sweeter flavor – Cooler weather helps vegetables like carrots, spinach, and lettuce develop a sweeter taste.
• Fewer pests and diseases – Many of the bugs that bother your garden in summer disappear once the temperatures drop.
• Use up empty space – After pulling out summer crops like tomatoes and cucumbers, you can fill that space with fall vegetables that mature quickly.
• Continuous harvest – By sowing fast growers in succession every week or two, you can keep fresh vegetables coming until frost.
• Easier maintenance – Fall gardens often require less water and weeding, making them more beginner friendly and low maintenance.

Planting quick growing vegetables in the fall lets you make the most of your growing season, even if you feel like you’re “running out of time.”

Best Quick Growing Vegetables From Seed for a Fall Garden

If you want fresh food fast, these vegetables are your best choices for a fall harvest. Most mature in 30–60 days, and many can even be harvested earlier as baby greens or roots.

Leafy Greens That Grow Fast in Fall

Leafy greens thrive in cooler weather and are some of the quickest crops you can plant in autumn.

• Lettuce – Ready in 30–45 days. Harvest baby leaves even sooner.
• Spinach – Takes 30–40 days, and cooler nights actually improve its flavor.
• Arugula – Spicy and fast, maturing in just 20–40 days.
• Swiss chard – Harvest baby leaves at 30 days or full-sized leaves at 50–55 days.

Root Vegetables Ready in 60 Days or Less

Root crops are ideal for fall because they can handle light frost, and they store well once harvested.

• Radishes – The fastest fall crop at only 20–30 days.
• Turnips – Small varieties mature in 40–55 days. Eat the greens too!
• Baby carrots – Some types are harvest-ready in 50–60 days.
• Beets – Baby beets and greens are ready in about 50–60 days.

Quick Growing Herbs for Fall Harvest

Many herbs don’t like the heat of summer but grow beautifully in the cooler weather of fall.

• Cilantro – Matures in 40–50 days. Perfect for soups and salsas.
• Dill – Feathery greens ready in 40–55 days. Goes well with fall root crops.
• Parsley – Slow to full maturity but you can snip baby leaves at 40 days.

Other Fast-Growing Fall Vegetables

These crops can round out your fall garden and give you even more variety.

• Bush beans – Ready in 50–60 days if planted early in the fall window.
• Peas – Cool-weather favorite that matures in 55–60 days.
• Mustard greens – Spicy leaves ready in 30–40 days, and they tolerate light frost.

Tips for Planting Fast Growing Vegetables in Fall

Growing vegetables in the fall is slightly different than in spring or summer. Use these tips to get the best results from your quick growing fall vegetables:

Know Your First Frost Date

Check your local average first frost date. Look at the seed packet for “days to maturity,” then count backward to find your planting window. For example, if frost usually comes on October 20 and radishes need 30 days, plant by September 20.

You can find your frost dates on the Farmers Almanac website HERE.

Plant a Little Extra Ahead

Fall days are shorter and cooler, so growth can be slower than in spring. Add a week to the days-to-harvest listed on the packet to give yourself a cushion.

Try Succession Planting

Sow new seeds every 1–2 weeks for crops like lettuce, spinach, and radishes. This gives you a steady harvest instead of everything maturing at once.

Tip – Find out more about succession planting, and grab my free succession planting chart and how-to guide, HERE.

Protect From Cold Snaps

Use row covers, cold frames, or even an old bedsheet to protect tender crops when an unexpected frost hits. With a little protection, you can often extend your fall harvest by several weeks.

Harvest Baby Greens and Roots

Don’t wait for everything to reach full size. Many vegetables, like carrots, beets, lettuce, and spinach, can be picked early as “baby” crops, giving you fresh food even sooner.

Tip – Want a step-by-step breakdown? Check out my full guide on When to Start Seeds for a Fall Garden for exact timing charts.

Quick Growing Vegetables = A Incredible Fall Harvest

You don’t have to say goodbye to fresh vegetables when summer ends. By planting these quick growing fall vegetables, you can enjoy a steady harvest of greens, roots, and herbs right up until the first frost. With just a little planning, and maybe a row cover or two, your garden can stay productive longer than you thought possible.

Fall is one of the easiest seasons to garden in, and it’s the perfect time to experiment. Start with fast growers like radishes and lettuce, add a few hardy crops like carrots and beets, and you’ll be surprised at how much you can still harvest.

Tip – Want more help with fall gardening? Be sure to check out my Ultimate Guide to Fall Gardening for even more tips, planting timelines, and crop ideas to keep your garden thriving this season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Quick Growing Fall Vegetables

What is the quickest vegetable to grow?

Radishes are the fastest-growing vegetable, often ready in just 20–30 days. Leafy greens like arugula and lettuce can also be harvested quickly as baby greens.

What plants can grow in 4 weeks?

Arugula, lettuce, spinach, and radishes can all produce edible harvests within 4 weeks, especially if picked young as baby greens.

What vegetable grows the fastest in the fall?

Radishes are the fastest fall crop, followed closely by arugula and mustard greens. These thrive in cool weather and can be harvested quickly.

What are the easiest vegetables to grow in a small backyard?

Lettuce, spinach, radishes, and Swiss chard are compact, easy to grow, and produce reliable harvests even in small garden beds or containers.

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