Growing vegetables doesn’t have to take months. Some veggies are fast, easy, and incredibly rewarding. I’ve compiled my favorite nine vegetables that grow from seed to harvest in 30 days.
Gardeners of all abilities will love these options. Begin growing and harvesting fresh greens now!
Contents
#1. Turnips
Turnips are at the top of my list. They are one of the fastest-growing root vegetables you can grow. Also, they’re pretty easy once you get the basics right.
Container and Soil Preparation
Let’s start by choosing the correct container. Pick one that’s big enough for the roots to grow. To prevent rot problems, I always use containers with drainage holes.
For the soil, I mix:
- 50% garden soil
- 30% compost
- 20% river sand
This mixture gives good drainage, which is key because turnips hate soggy soil.
Sowing Turnip Seeds
Make small holes about half an inch deep in the soil mix. Keep a space of about 4 to 5 inches between each hole. That’s important for proper root formation.
Now, I drop one seed into each hole. I cover it with soil, gently.
Water the pot thoroughly. This way, the soil will settle. This also removes any air pockets around the seeds.
Growing and Harvesting
Turnip seeds usually sprout in 5 to 7 days. Day 8:
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I place my pot somewhere sunny. I ensure at least 5 to 6 hours of sunlight daily.
While growing, feed the plants every 12 to 15 days with cattle manure to keep them healthy.
I keep the soil moist but not soaked. After a few weeks, my turnips grow into leafy plants with flat roots.
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I recommend harvesting the plants when they reach 3 to 4 inches in diameter.
If they get too big, they turn woody and tough. So don’t wait too long!
#2. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is one of the easiest and fastest vegetables I’ve ever grown. The entire process is quick and satisfying.
Sowing and Covering Seeds
Prepare the soil mix:
- 60% garden soil
- 40% compost
Sprinkle the seeds freely across the pot. You don’t need to worry about spacing them evenly.
I just mix the top layer of soil gently with my hand to lightly cover the seeds. There’s no need to bury fenugreek seeds deeply. A thin layer—around ¼ inch—is enough.
Sunlight and Moisture
Water the soil well and keep it slightly moist.
The seeds germinate in 3 – 5 days. Don’t transplant fenugreek—it grows best when it stays in its final pot from the start.
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Find a sunny spot with 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight daily.
When and How to Harvest
In 3 – 4 weeks, the plants will grow 5 – 6 inches tall.
Day 23:
That’s when I start harvesting by cutting the plant just above the crown. This helps it regrow in 8 to 10 days!
Both the seeds and the leaves are edible. I love using fresh leaves in cooking, and the dried leaves make a great herb.
After every harvest, I add compost and water well.
I continue harvesting until the plants start to flower.
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#3. Garlic Greens
Do you enjoy garlic flavor? Grow garlic greens with me.
Planting Garlic Bulbs
I use healthy garlic bulbs and place them flat side down in a pot with drainage holes.
My favorite soil mix is again:
- 50% garden soil
- 30% compost
- 20% river sand
Bury the bulbs about 1 inch deep and ensure space between them for root growth.
Light, Water, and Growth
My watering tips here are watering slowly until it drains out the bottom of the pot.
Place the container somewhere sunny—aim for 6 to 7 hours of sun daily.
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Once the green shoots grow 6 to 8 inches tall, I harvest them. I only cut 2 inches above the soil. This way, the plants can regrow.
Ongoing Harvests
You can keep harvesting greens for the next 2 – 3 months! They’re perfect for adding flavor to almost any dish.
#4. Kale
Kale is both hardy and healthy. If you follow the steps right, it grows quickly, even in containers.
Starting Seeds and Transplanting
I start by sprinkling seeds over the soil surface. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and water them well to settle the soil around the seeds.
Kale seeds take 7 to 8 days to sprout.
Day 10:
Day 14: Once the seedlings are 4 to 6 inches tall, they’re ready to transplant.
I remove the bottom leaves and bury the stem deep into the soil, as kale can grow roots along its stem.
Soil and Spacing Tips
Use a mix of:
- 50% garden soil
- 30% compost
- 20% river sand
In a 12 to 15-inch-wide pot, you can grow 3 to 4 kale plants like mine.
Remember to water seedlings after transplanting. Choose a sunny spot—4 to 6 hours of sun is perfect.
Feeding and Pests
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I feed my kale every 10 days with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer like cattle manure or vermicompost.
To prevent caterpillars, spray neem oil or chili extract every 7 to 8 days.
Harvesting Kale Leaves
Day 32:
Now the leaves are about the size of my hand. I can start harvesting from the outer sides.
I don’t cut from the top center of the plant. That’s where new growth comes from.
#5. Radishes
Radishes are one of the quickest vegetables you can grow, and they don’t take up much space.
Planting the Seeds
Use the same soil mix (50-30-20 ratio).
Plant the seeds 1 to 2 inches apart in a 12-inch pot—you can fit 20 to 25 seeds easily. Cover lightly with soil and water well.
Growth and Care
The seeds germinate in 4 to 5 days.
Day 4:
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Radishes need 5 to 7 hours of sunlight daily.
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Fertilize every 15 days and water regularly.
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When to Harvest
It’s taken only 26 to 28 days to have radishes ready.
Day 28:
If they are thicker than your thumb, it is time to pull them.
Gently pull from the top of the root since the leaves come off easily.
#6. Lettuce
Lettuce grows well in cool weather and is one of my favorites for salads.
Starting Seeds
Use a mix of:
- 70% coco peat
- 30% compost
I sprinkle the seeds on the surface, cover them lightly, and press the soil down with my hand for good contact.
Water gently to moisten the soil.
The seeds germinate in 6 to 8 days.
Day 6:
Transplanting and Spacing
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Day 15: The seedlings are ready. I use a trowel to pull them out carefully.
For the last soil, I am putting 60% garden soil & 40% compost. The spacing is 4 – 5 inches. A 12 to 15 inch pot fits roughly 3 to 4 lettuce plants.
Provide the plants with plenty of water after moving them to avoid transplant shock and help them settle into the new place.
Harvesting Lettuce
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Harvest the outer leaves first.
Later, I pull or cut the whole head once it matures.
#7. Spinach
Spinach is quick to grow, but the seeds don’t store well, so always use fresh ones.
Planting Steps
Use a 50/50 mix of garden soil and compost.
Moisten the soil before planting.
Space seeds 2 inches apart.
Cover them with ¼ inch soil and pat gently.
Mist the surface with water.
The seeds germinate in 5 to 6 days.
Sun and Harvesting
Day 10:
I give spinach 5 to 6 hours of sunlight.
Day 20:
I water the plants often to prevent drying.
Day 25:
Harvest full leaves when they’re 4 to 6 inches long. Always cut a bit of the stem with the leaf, or they spoil quickly.
Cut just above the crown so the plant continues to grow.
Add cattle manure after every harvest for new growth.
In 8 to 10 days, new leaves will be ready again!
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#8. Green Onions
Green onions are another fast-growing plant that keeps on giving.
From Seed to Transplant
I make a soil mix with 70% cocopeat and 30% compost. Then I sprinkle the seeds on and keep up the soil moisture.
The seeds germinate in about 5 to 6 days.
Now the seedlings are about 6 – 8 inches tall. It is time to transplant them. I unceremoniously tease apart the root ball and separate my seedlings.
Spacing and Fertilizing
I use the same 50-30-20 soil mix. I make small holes with my finger, drop in the seedlings, and cover the roots.
You should space mature plants 2 – 3 inches apart. In a 15-inch pot, you can grow 20 – 30 green onions.
Water after transplanting.
Add cattle manure or vermicompost every 12 days.
Day 24:
Water the plants regularly.
Harvesting Tips
Start harvesting when the onions are 10 to 15 inches tall and 1 inch thick at the base. Pull them gently. Pick as needed and let others grow.
#9. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard adds color and flavor to any garden and grows fast, too.
Sowing and Germination
Firstly, I prepare a pot, sow seeds 1 inch apart, and cover lightly.
Press gently and water well.
The seeds take 5 to 7 days to germinate.
Each chard seed is a cluster, so I will get more than one sprout per seed.
Transplanting and Care
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Day 16:
My seedlings are three to four inches tall. Now it’s time to transfer them.
I use a 12-inch wide pot, but I do plant three to four chard seedlings. Make sure to space them four inches apart.
I also water them regularly. They will do best if the ground stays nice and moist.
Sunlight and Harvest
Day 21:
Chard does fine in partial shade but thrives in 4 to 6 hours of full sun.
Day 32:
I harvest leaves when they’re 6 to 8 inches tall. I just cut what I need, and the plant will keep producing. Young leaves are great in fresh salads too!
Wrapping Up
Growing vegetables doesn’t need to take forever. These nine fast-growing crops are perfect if you enjoy quick results and fresh harvests. Each one is simple to care for and ideal for small spaces.
Why not start with just one today? Your garden can become a steady source of leafy greens and crisp roots in a few weeks!
