27 Fast Growing Vegetables to Plant and Harvest in Late Summer

Late summer is the perfect time to get started on gardening projects with the family, especially now that school's out and there's plenty of sunlight. It's an ideal opportunity to teach kids about growing their own food while securing a harvest just before they head back to school. 


How this blog will be structured is that there will be a list with the planting dates and harvesting times so you can get planning, and then at the end, there will be tips on how to have a successful harvest.


Let's explore these fast-growing vegetables that you can plant now for a continuous supply of fresh produce all summer long.


27 Fast Growing Vegetables


  • Bush Beans
  • Planting: Late July to early August

    Harvesting: 50-60 days after planting


  • Green Onions
  • Planting: Late August to early September

    Harvesting: 20-30 days after planting


  • Radishes (Cherry Belle)
  • Planting: Late July to mid-August

    Harvesting: 25-30 days after planting


  • Carrots
  • Planting: Late July to mid-August

    Harvesting: 30-40 days after planting


  • Pak Choi (Baby Bok Choy)
  • Planting: Late August to early September

    Harvesting: 40-50 days after planting


  • Spinach
  • Planting: Late August to early September

    Harvesting: 35-45 days after planting


  • Lettuce
  • Planting: Late August to early September

    Harvesting: 30-45 days after planting


  • Kale
  • Planting: Late August to early September

    Harvesting: 50-60 days after planting


  • Beets
  • Planting: Late July to mid-August

    Harvesting: 50-60 days after planting


  • Turnips
  • Planting: Late July to mid-August

    Harvesting: 30-50 days after planting


  • Green Beans (Pole Beans)
  • Planting: Late July to mid-August

    Harvesting: 60-70 days after planting


  • Peas
  • Planting: Late August to early September

    Harvesting: 60-70 days after planting


  • Cucumbers
  • Planting: Late July to mid-August

    Harvesting: 50-70 days after planting


  • Zucchini
  • Planting: Late July to mid-August

    Harvesting: 40-50 days after planting


  • Broccoli Raab, Rabe or Rapini
  • Planting: Late August to early September

    Harvesting: 40-60 days after planting but it’s best when young leaves are tender


  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Planting: Late June to early July

    Harvesting: 90-100 days after planting


  • Sweet Corn
  • Planting: Late June to early July

    Harvesting: 60-80 days after planting


  • Chinese Cabbage
  • Planting: Late August to early September

    Harvesting: 50-70 days after planting


  • Radish Seeds (Daikon)
  • Planting: Late July to mid-August

    Harvesting: 50-60 days after planting


  • Butternut Squash 
  • Planting: Late June to early July

    Harvesting: 80-100 days after planting


  • Acorn Squash 
  • Planting: Late June to early July

    Harvesting: 80-100 days after planting


  • Basil
  • Planting: Late July to mid-August

    Harvesting: Continuously as needed but start harvesting leaves when plants are established


  • Cilantro
  • Planting: Late July to mid-August

    Harvesting: Continuously as needed but start harvesting leaves when plants are established


  • Mustard Greens
  • Planting: Late August to early September

    Harvesting: 30-40 days for baby leaves and 60-70 days for mature plants


  • Swiss Chard
  • Planting: Late August to early September

    Harvesting: 30-40 days for baby leaves; 60-70 days for mature plants


  • Rosemary
  • Planting: Anytime in late summer to early fall

    Harvesting: Continuously for fresh herbs.


  • Thyme
  • Planting: Anytime in late summer to early fall

    Harvesting: Continuously for fresh herbs.

    Caring Tips

    Choosing the Right Vegetables

    As you see, there are leafy greens to choose from like spinach, lettuce, and Asian greens; root crops like radishes, baby carrots, and beets; and other summer vegetables like bush beans, zucchini, and cucumbers.

    Reading Seed Packets

    Seed packets contain all the information on planting depth, spacing, and time to maturity. By following these guidelines closely, you'll secure a successful harvest.

    Preparing the Raised Beds

    Raised beds offer better drainage, controlled soil quality and temperatures, and effective weed management. Vego Garden provides a large collection of raised beds in various sizes to fit any type of backyard or garden, and they even offer planters for indoor gardens, perfect for those with limited backyard space.

    Preparing the Soil 

    Use a healthy soil mix for your raised beds and ensure the soil temperature stays between 60-75°F for summer crops.

    Add Mulching

    Use mulch around your plants to keep the soil cool and moist, reduce water evaporation, and suppress weed growth.

    Don’t Stop Watering

    Water early in the morning or late at night, but not during the afternoon heat, and don’t skip a watering day.

    Feed with Fertilizer

    Before planting your seeds, use a nutrient-rich and balanced slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and ensure your plants are well-fed and growing quickly.

    Final Thoughts

    Planting in early summer and harvesting in late summer is a fun way to keep enjoying fresh veggies all season long. It's not just about the food though—it's a chance for kids to learn about how plants grow and to have fun projects together outside. 


    Getting your hands dirty in the garden can teach them about soil, water, and the sun's role in making things grow. Plus, it's a great excuse to spend some quality time together as a family, away from screens!